Which term describes the natural environment in which a species lives?

A habitat is defined as the natural environment in which a species resides. It encompasses all the biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors that a species interacts with in its environment. For example, a forest can serve as a habitat for various organisms, providing them with food, shelter, and conditions for reproduction.

While “biome” refers to a larger geographic area characterized by consistent climatic conditions and specific types of ecosystems (like deserts or tundras), and “ecosystem” encompasses the interactions of living organisms with each other and their physical environment, the term “habitat” specifically denotes the immediate environment of a particular species. The term “niche” refers to the role or function of that species within its ecosystem, including how it obtains its resources and how it interacts with other organisms. Therefore, habitat is the most accurate term to describe the specific environment in which a species lives.