Answer:
The correct answer is C: Habitat.
Explanation:
A habitat is a place in the environment where an organism lives. It provides the necessary resources and conditions for the organism to survive and reproduce. Here are some key points to consider:
- Habitat definition: A habitat refers to the specific place where an organism lives and interacts with its surrounding environment.
- Characteristics of a habitat:
- It provides shelter and protection for the organism.
- It offers the necessary food and water resources.
- It has suitable temperature and climate conditions.
- It may have specific features or structures that support the organism's needs (e.g., burrows, nests, or coral reefs).
- Examples of habitats:
- Forests, where trees provide shelter and food for a variety of organisms.
- Oceans, which are home to a diverse range of marine life.
- Deserts, where organisms have adapted to survive in extreme temperature and water scarcity.
- Grasslands, which support grazing animals and their predators.
- Importance of habitats:
- Habitats play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.
- They provide a variety of niches for different species to occupy, promoting species interactions and ecological relationships.
- Habitats also contribute to various ecosystem services, such as water filtration, carbon sequestration, and soil stabilization.
Overall, a habitat is a fundamental concept in ecology, representing the specific place where an organism resides and thrives, influenced by various environmental factors.