Question

Write a nonfiction paragraph about a local habitat using the three of the terms (habitat, community, and population).

a) The local habitat, a lush forest, teems with life, supporting a diverse community of plants and animals. The population of deer in this area is particularly notable.
b) The urban habitat is characterized by a tight-knit community, and the human population thrives in this bustling city.
c) In the desert habitat, there's a thriving community of cacti and other desert plants. The population of coyotes is sparse due to the harsh environment.
d) The marine habitat is a vast, interconnected community where the population of fish and other marine species is in constant motion.

Answer 1

A habitat is the environment where species live, and it includes diverse populations that together form a community. Populations consist of individuals from the same species, and their interactions within the community help regulate their size and maintain the ecosystem's balance. Species diversity is a measure of a community's health and complexity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Habitats are ecological or environmental areas inhabited by particular species; they provide the resources and conditions necessary for the survival of the organisms that live there. Within a habitat, various populations, which are groups of individuals belonging to the same species, coexist and interact with each other. Collectively, the different populations form a community, which includes all living organisms in the area. Understanding the dynamic relations within a community is essential because these interactions, such as predation and competition for resources, help to regulate population sizes and maintain the ecosystem's balance.

An example of a local habitat could be a forest ecosystem that supports a diverse community comprising populations of trees, shrubs, insects, mammals, and microbial life. The white pine trees might make up a significant population, while all these organisms together form a forest community. The species diversity is an indication of the health and complexity of the community, with high diversity often found in vibrant and resilient ecosystems, such as tropical rainforests.