Habitats: meaning, definitions and examples

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habitats

 

[ˈhabɪtats ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal

The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.

Synonyms

dwelling, environment, territory.

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Word Description / Examples
habitats

Used when discussing the natural living space of animals or plants.

  • The destruction of natural habitats is a major threat to wildlife.
  • Forests provide essential habitats for many species.
environment

Used in a broader sense to refer to the surroundings or conditions where a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.

  • The factory's emissions are harming the local environment.
  • Children need a nurturing environment to grow and develop.
territory

Often used to describe an area that an animal, person, or group considers their own, can also have political or geographical connotations.

  • The wolf pack marked their territory by howling and scent marking.
  • The explorers mapped the uncharted territory.
dwelling

Used to refer to a place where people live, often implying a physical structure like a house or an apartment.

  • She invited us to her humble dwelling in the countryside.
  • The ancient ruins included some well-preserved human dwellings.

Examples of usage

  • Polar bears are commonly found in Arctic habitats.
  • Rainforests are rich habitats for a variety of species.
Context #2 | Noun

human

The type of natural environment in which a particular species of organism lives.

Synonyms

locale, setting, surroundings.

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Word Description / Examples
habitats

Used primarily in ecological and biological contexts to describe the natural environment of plants, animals, or other organisms.

  • Forests and lakes are natural habitats for many species
  • Climate change is affecting the habitats of polar bears

Examples of usage

  • Desert habitats can be harsh and challenging for human survival.
  • Urban habitats are greatly influenced by human activities.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'habitat' comes from the Latin word 'habitare', which means 'to dwell' or 'to live'.
  • Initially used in the 16th century, the term has evolved to encompass various ecosystems, from deserts to forests.
  • It emphasizes not just the physical environment, but also the interactions between organisms and their surroundings.

Ecology

  • There are many types of habitats, such as terrestrial (on land), freshwater, and marine (in oceans and seas).
  • Biodiversity is crucial within habitats; the variety of life contributes to ecosystem balance and resilience.
  • Each habitat supports specific plants and animals adapted to survive in that environment.

Conservation

  • Habitat destruction due to human activities like deforestation and urbanization poses a significant threat to wildlife.
  • Creating protected areas, such as national parks, helps preserve essential habitats for future generations.
  • Restoration projects aim to revitalize damaged habitats, allowing ecosystems to recover and thrive.

Cultural Significance

  • Many indigenous cultures have deep connections to their local habitats, viewing them as integral to their identity and survival.
  • Art and literature often reflect human relationships with different habitats, showcasing beauty and fragility.
  • Traditional ecological knowledge from indigenous peoples can offer sustainable practices for habitat conservation.

Climate Change

  • Shifts in climate can alter habitats dramatically, forcing species to adapt, migrate, or face extinction.
  • Coral reefs, a vital marine habitat, are suffering from bleaching due to rising ocean temperatures and acidification.
  • Conservation efforts increasingly focus on understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change on various habitats.

Translations

Translations of the word "habitats" in other languages:

🇵🇹 habitats

🇮🇳 वासस्थान

🇩🇪 Lebensräume

🇮🇩 habitat

🇺🇦 середовища існування

🇵🇱 siedliska

🇯🇵 生息地

🇫🇷 habitats

🇪🇸 hábitats

🇹🇷 yaşam alanları

🇰🇷 서식지

🇸🇦 مواطن

🇨🇿 stanoviště

🇸🇰 biotopy

🇨🇳 栖息地

🇸🇮 habitati

🇮🇸 búsvæði

🇰🇿 тіршілік ету ортасы

🇬🇪 ჰაბიტატები

🇦🇿 yaşayış mühitləri

🇲🇽 hábitats

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,665 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.