Real-life examples of animals and plants in their natural homes.

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🌍 Habitat Definition: An environment where an organism lives, including food, shelter, and other necessities.
• 🐾 Animal Adaptations: Animals evolve specific traits that help them survive in their habitat (e.g., camouflage, specialized diets).
• 🪴 Plant Adaptations: Plants also evolve adaptations to thrive in their specific environments (e.g., drought resistance, adaptations for pollination).
• ☀️ Biotic Factors: Living components of an ecosystem (plants, animals, fungi, bacteria).
• 💧 Abiotic Factors: Non-living components of an ecosystem (sunlight, water, temperature, soil).
• 🤝 Interdependence: The relationship between living organisms and their environment.
• ⚖️ Ecosystem Balance: Healthy ecosystems maintain a balance between populations and resources.

🧪 Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is the BEST example of an animal adapted to its natural home?
   1. A) A polar bear with thick fur in the Arctic.
   2. B) A goldfish in a freshwater aquarium.
   3. C) A lion in a zoo enclosure.
   4. D) A house cat sleeping on a couch.
2. What is the primary adaptation of a cactus to its desert environment?
   1. A) Brightly colored flowers to attract pollinators.
   2. B) Broad leaves for maximum sunlight absorption.
   3. C) Thick, waxy skin to reduce water loss.
   4. D) A strong, woody trunk for stability.
3. Which of these is an example of a biotic factor in a forest ecosystem?
   1. A) Sunlight
   2. B) Soil composition
   3. C) The population of deer
   4. D) Average rainfall
4. How does camouflage help an animal in its natural habitat?
   1. A) By attracting mates.
   2. B) By providing warmth.
   3. C) By blending in with its surroundings to avoid predators or hunt prey.
   4. D) By helping them swim faster.
5. What is the role of mangrove trees in a coastal ecosystem?
   1. A) To provide shade for desert animals.
   2. B) To attract migrating birds inland.
   3. C) To prevent soil erosion and provide habitat for marine life.
   4. D) To absorb excess nutrients from agricultural runoff.
6. A chameleon changing its skin color to match its environment is an example of:
   1. A) Hibernation
   2. B) Migration
   3. C) Camouflage
   4. D) Photosynthesis
7. What is the main challenge for plants living in a rainforest understory?
   1. A) Lack of water
   2. B) Excessive sunlight
   3. C) Competition for sunlight
   4. D) High winds