Habitat - JSS2 Basic science Past Questions and Answers - page 2
What is a habitat, and why is it important for organisms?
A habitat is the natural environment where organisms live and thrive. It provides essential resources like food, water, shelter, and space for survival and reproduction. Understanding habitats is crucial because it helps maintain biodiversity and ecological balance.
Can you give an example of a terrestrial habitat?
Forests are an example of a terrestrial habitat. They are land-based ecosystems characterized by a dense concentration of trees and diverse flora and fauna.
How do aquatic habitats differ from terrestrial habitats?
Aquatic habitats are water-based environments, while terrestrial habitats are land-based. Aquatic habitats include ecosystems like rivers, lakes, and oceans, whereas terrestrial habitats encompass forests, deserts, grasslands, and urban areas.
What factors influence the types of organisms that can inhabit a habitat?
Several factors influence habitat suitability for organisms, including temperature, humidity, vegetation, terrain, water depth, salinity, and availability of resources like food and shelter.
Why is conserving biodiversity in habitats important?
Conserving biodiversity in habitats is essential because it supports ecosystem stability, resilience, and functionality. Biodiverse habitats provide various ecosystem services, such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation, which are vital for human well-being.
How can understanding different types of habitats help in environmental conservation efforts?
Understanding different habitats allows scientists and conservationists to identify critical areas for protection and restoration, implement targeted conservation strategies, and mitigate threats such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. It also facilitates the development of sustainable land and resource management practices.