Question

The natural home or environment of a plant, animal or other organism is called:

• A. Ecosystem
• B. Habitat
• C. Population
• D. Biodiversity

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Habitat

Habitat:

1. Definition: The habitat is the specific location or environment where an organism lives. It includes everything an organism needs to survive—like food, shelter, and mates for reproduction.

2. Scope: It refers to a smaller, localized area within an ecosystem.

3. Examples:

   • A tiger’s habitat could be a forest or grassland.

   • A coral reef is the habitat for various marine species.

   • A bird's nest in a tree is the habitat for that bird.

4. Importance: Habitat is crucial for the survival of individual species. If the habitat is destroyed, the species may struggle or even face extinction.

Ecosystem:

1. Definition: An ecosystem is a larger, interconnected system that includes all living organisms (plants, animals, microbes) and non-living components (air, water, soil) in a particular area. These components interact with one another to form a balanced and functioning system.

2. Scope: It is much broader than a habitat, encompassing multiple habitats and the interactions between all organisms and their physical surroundings.

3. Examples:

   • A forest ecosystem includes trees, animals, soil, water, and air, all interacting with each other.

   • A desert ecosystem involves organisms adapted to extreme heat, along with sand, minimal rainfall, and strong winds.

   • A marine ecosystem consists of oceanic species, coral reefs, water, and other marine elements.

4. Importance: Ecosystems maintain the balance of life, recycle nutrients, and regulate essential processes like the water cycle and oxygen production. Healthy ecosystems are vital for the survival of species, including humans.

Key Differences:

• Size/Scope: Habitat is a specific place within an ecosystem, whereas an ecosystem is a larger, interconnected system.

• Function: A habitat supports the needs of a single organism or species, while an ecosystem supports all organisms within it, including their interactions with each other and the environment.