Question

The natural residence of every organism is known as

• A. Biome
• B. Niche
• C. Habit
• D. Habitat

Hint:

\textbf{Habitat:} The natural home or environment where an organism lives. Its "address."
\textbf{Niche:} The functional role of an organism in its ecosystem. Its "profession."
\textbf{Biome:} A large community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat, defined by climate and dominant vegetation.
\textbf{Habit:} Characteristic growth form or behavior.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Let's define the ecological terms in the options:
(a) Biome: A biome is a large-scale ecological unit or community of plants and animals that have common characteristics for the environment they exist in. It's defined by major vegetation types and climate (e.g., tropical rainforest biome, desert biome, tundra biome). A biome encompasses many different habitats and niches.
(b) Niche (Ecological Niche): This refers to the specific role or function of an organism or species within an ecosystem. It includes all its interactions with the biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors of its environment, such as its food sources, predators, competitors, and its physical and chemical requirements (e.g., temperature range, moisture). It's often described as the organism's "profession" or "way of life."
(c) Habit: In biology, habit can refer to the characteristic form or manner of growth of a plant or animal (e.g., a climbing habit in plants), or a regularly repeated behavior in an animal. It's not the same as its natural residence.
(d) Habitat: A habitat is the natural environment or place where an organism or a biological population normally lives, resides, or occurs. It provides the organism with food, water, shelter, and other resources needed for survival and reproduction. It's the organism's "address." The question asks for "The natural residence of every organism". This precisely matches the definition of a Habitat. \[ \boxed{\text{Habitat}} \]