Question

What is habitat?

Answer 1

Hint: The habitat is the place where the organism lives. The habitat of an organism actually represents a particular set of environmental conditions which are suitable for growth and development of an organism.

Complete answer:
Habitat usually refers to a relatively large area such as a pond, a forest and an ocean. Habitat of an organism includes biotic and abiotic components. Pathogens, parasites, predators and competitors of an organism comprises biotic components of habitat. All the factors constantly interact with the organism.
Abiotic components of habitat:
> Temperature: Temperature is the most ecologically relevant factor. Temperature plays a very important role in latitudinal and altitudinal distribution of organisms.
> Water: Water is another most important factor. When evolution occurs life originates in water. Water influences the productivity and distribution of plants and animals.
> Light: Light is a very important factor in the establishment of any habitat. Plants use sunlight to produce their food and release oxygen.
> Soil: Soil plays a very important role in the establishment of habitat.
The term ‘Niche’ was used to explain micro-habitats. Niche is the complete description of how the organism relates to its surrounding environment. Niche includes physical space occupied by the organism along with its functional role in the community.

Note: There are some unique habitats such as thermal springs and deep-sea hydrothermal vents where average exceed 100 degree celsius. Thermophiles are found in these harsh habitats. Organisms that occupy the same ecological niches in different geographical regions are known as ecological equivalents.