Habitat

Question 1

Habitat

Answer 1

A habitat includes all the abiotic and biotic factors (i.e., resources) that allow an organism to survive and/or reproduce in an area at some point in its life.

(Hall et al., 1997; Kirk et al., 2018; Krausman & Morrison, 2016; Mathewson & Morrison, 2015)

Question 2

Habitat Quality

Answer 2

Habitat quality refers to how well a habitat allows an individual or population to survive, reproduce, and persist, in other words, how well a habitat contributes to fitness.

This also takes into account anything that might impact that habitat’s use (e.g., competition, predation, connectivity, niche).

(Garshelis, 2000; Hall et al., 1997; Kirk et al., 2018; Krausman & Morrison, 2016; Mathewson & Morrison, 2015; M. D. Johnson, 2007)

Question 3

What is the habitat quality gradient?

Answer 3

Low - allows survival

Medium - allows for survival and reproduction

High - allows for survival, reproduction, and population persistence

(Hall et al., 1997; Krausman & Morrison, 2016).