Final answer:
A habitat is the physical environment where a species lives and is characterized by abiotic factors such as temperature, sunlight, and soil, which affect the survival traits of organisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term habitat refers to the specific environment or place where a species lives. It includes various abiotic factors like light availability, temperature range, annual rainfall, and soil types, all of which contribute to defining the characteristics that organisms need to survive in that particular area. The presence and levels of dissolved oxygen, pH, and nutrients within a habitat or aquatic system are critical for the life of aquatic organisms.
For example, water temperature influences the rate of growth of organisms and the amount of dissolved oxygen available, which is essential for respiration. Aquatic zones such as coral reefs, estuaries, and freshwater biomes such as lakes and rivers each have their unique conditions that support varying types of life forms. The distinctiveness of a habitat is instrumental in shaping the biodiversity within it, providing a base for the ecosystem it supports.