Habitats and Ecosystems: Understanding the Difference and Their Impact on Biodiversity

When discussing where organisms live, terms like habitat, ecosystem, environment, and niche often get mixed up. While these words are sometimes used interchangeably in casual conversation, each has a distinct scientific meaning. Being technically correct is essential for accurate discussions about biodiversity and conservation. Let’s dive into the specifics and clear up the confusion.

Habitat vs. Ecosystem: What’s the Difference?

Habitat: This is a geographic location where a species lives. Think of it as the address of an organism.

Ecosystem: An ecosystem is a complex network of interactions among species (including food chains) and between living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components of the environment. It’s about the relationships and processes that occur in a given area, not just the physical space.

While scientists make a clear distinction between these terms, policymakers and conservationists often use the term habitat to describe an “environmental unit” with specific species and conditions, which is closer to the concept of an ecosystem. This overlap can cause some confusion.

What is a Microhabitat?

A microhabitat is not just a smaller version of a habitat. It’s a more specific area within a habitat, defined by certain criteria like the height in a tree canopy. For instance, within a forest (habitat), the canopy, understory, and forest floor can be considered different microhabitats. On a larger scale, adjacent habitats with shared features, such as climate, form a biome that supports a community of organisms. Similarly, the microbiome refers to the community of microbes living in and on an organism.

Types of Habitats

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categorizes terrestrial habitats into nine broad classes:

1. Forest
2. Savanna
3. Shrubland
4. Grassland
5. Wetlands
6. Rocky areas
7. Caves/subterranean
8. Desert
9. Artificial habitats (like pastureland)

Forests cover the largest land area, accounting for 27% of the Earth’s surface.

Aquatic habitats are divided into six classes:

1. Neritic (shallow waters)
2. Oceanic
3. Deep ocean floor
4. Intertidal
5. Coastal
6. Artificial habitats (such as ponds)

The IUCN’s classification is evolving, and there are some inconsistencies, like freshwater lakes being included in the coastal category.

Habitat vs. Environment

A habitat can be described without mentioning living organisms. For example, a desert habitat is defined by its sand and arid conditions. In contrast, the environment refers to the natural phenomena surrounding and interacting with a specific organism, implying a relationship and context in time and space. Two species in the same habitat might experience different environments. For example, a nocturnal desert lizard enjoys cool temperatures but must avoid night predators, while a diurnal lizard faces the heat of the day.

Understanding Niches

Niche: This term refers to the specific environmental conditions that affect a particular population of organisms.

• Ecological niche: Determined by the resources (especially food) a population requires.
• Evolutionary niche: Shaped by environmental pressures, such as limited food, driving natural selection.

An ecological niche can be seen as a potential home for a species, while an evolutionary niche is where the species has actually established itself.

How Habitats Influence Biodiversity

Habitats play a crucial role in determining biodiversity. Areas with a high variety of habitats (habitat richness) tend to have higher biodiversity. Tropical rainforests and coral reefs are well-known for their rich species diversity. Mapping habitats across Europe shows that local geography, especially surface topology and latitude, are strong predictors of habitat richness and biodiversity. Rough terrain and proximity to the equator contribute to greater habitat diversity.

Understanding the distinctions between habitats, ecosystems, environments, and niches is essential for discussing and addressing biodiversity and conservation issues accurately. Each term has a specific meaning that helps clarify the complex interactions and relationships in nature. By appreciating these differences, we can better protect and sustain the rich tapestry of life on our planet.

source :

https://www.discoverwildlife.com/plant-facts/habitats-vs-ecosystems