Habitat

For other uses of "Habitat", see "Habitat" (disambiguation).

The remaining fragmented habitats of the African Elephant.

A distribution map showing the range and breeding grounds of Great Black-backed Gulls.

A habitat (which is Latin for "it inhabits") is an ecological or environmental area that is inhabited by a particular species of animal, plant or other type of organism. It is the natural environment in which an organism lives, or the physical environment that surrounds (influences and is utilized by) a species population.

Definition

The term "population" is preferred to "organism" because, while it is possible to describe the habitat of a single black bear, it is also possible that we may not find any particular or individual bear but the grouping of bears that constitute a breeding population and occupy a certain biogeographical area. Further, this habitat could be somewhat different from the habitat of another group or population of black bears living elsewhere. Thus it is neither the species nor the individual for which the term habitat is typically used.

Microhabitat

The term microhabitat is often used to describe the small-scale physical requirements of a particular organism or population. A microhabitat is often a smaller habitat within a larger one. For example, a fallen log inside a forest can provide microhabitat for insects that are not found in the wider forest habitat outside such logs. Microenvironment is the immediate surroundings and other physical factors of an individual plant or animal within its pool. A microhabitait can be big or small depending on how much it varies.

See also

• Habitat conservation
• Habitat destruction
• Habitat fragmentation
• Habitat garden
• Natural landscape
• Natural resource
• Human habitats

External links

• Template:Tr icon Habitat.org.tr, Human Settlements, Environment, Education and Health Association (Türkiye)
• Interactive Coastal Habitat Mural from University of Delaware College of Marine and Earth Studies