Final answer:
A habitat is an area that provides everything wildlife needs to live, including food, water, cover, and space. Habitats can vary in size and quality, and their characteristics influence the diversity and abundance of species that can live in them. Preserving and protecting habitats is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Step-by-step explanation:
An area that supplies everything wildlife needs to live including food, water, cover, and space is called a habitat. A habitat is the natural environment in which a species lives and to which it is adapted. It includes both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors that influence the survival and behavior of organisms. For example, a forest can be a habitat for various species including trees, birds, squirrels, and insects.
The size and quality of a habitat can greatly affect the diversity and abundance of species that can live in it. Larger habitats generally support more species and provide more resources. These resources include food sources like plants, other organisms for prey or predators, water sources, and suitable shelter or cover. A well-balanced habitat with a variety of resources can support a thriving ecosystem with a high species richness.
Preserving and protecting habitats is critical for maintaining biodiversity and the overall health of ecosystems. This is because changes in habitat conditions can disrupt the species and their interactions within an ecosystem. Human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and pollution can significantly impact habitats, leading to habitat loss and species decline. Conservation efforts aim to protect and restore habitats to ensure the long-term survival of wildlife.