B4.1.1 — Habitat as the Place in Which a Community, Species, Population, or Organism Lives

Define Habitat

• A habitat is the natural environment in which a community, species, population, or organism lives and thrives.

Characteristics Used to Describe a Habitat

1. Abiotic Factors: Non-living components such as temperature, light, water availability, soil type, and pH.
2. Biotic Factors: Living components like vegetation, prey, predators, and competition.
3. Physical Structure: Elevation, slope, exposure, and landforms (e.g., cliffs, wetlands).
4. Climate: Average temperature, rainfall, humidity, and wind.
5. Geographical Location: Latitude, altitude, and proximity to water bodies.

B4.1.2 — Adaptations of Organisms to the Abiotic Environment of Their Habitat

Define Adaptation

• Adaptation refers to a feature or trait that enhances an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

How Natural Selection Leads to Adaptations

• Organisms in a population vary in traits (e.g., tolerance to heat).
• Abiotic factors (like temperature, water availability) create selective pressures.
• Organisms with traits better suited to their environment survive and reproduce.
• Over time, advantageous traits become more common in the population, leading to adaptation.

Adaptations of Marram Grass to Sand Dune Environments