What is a habitat?

A habitat is the place where a plant or animal naturally lives and finds everything it needs, such as food, water, shelter and space. A polar bear's habitat is the icy Arctic, while a fish's habitat is water.

Examples

• A pond is the habitat of a frog.
• The desert is a habitat for cacti and camels.
• A rotting log can be a habitat for woodlice and beetles.

Quick facts

• A habitat provides food, water and shelter.
• Animals have body features that suit their habitat, like a camel storing fat for the desert.