Habitats of the United States key terms

What is a habitat?

A habitat is the natural environment where plants and animals live. It provides food, water, and shelter.

Desert habitat characteristics

Deserts are dry, with low rainfall. Temperatures can be extreme, with hot days and cold nights.

True or false: wetlands are always underwater.

False, because wetlands can be wet or dry. They support many plants and animals.

Example of a temperate forest tree

One example is the oak tree. Temperate forests have four seasons and diverse wildlife.

Difference between grasslands and forests

Grasslands have mostly grasses and few trees, while forests have many trees and plants.

Fill in the blank: The _____ is a large, flat area in the US known for grass.

The Great Plains is a large, flat area in the US known for grass.

What is the coastal habitat?

Coastal habitats are found along shores. They include beaches, estuaries, and wetlands.

True or false: mountains are a type of aquatic habitat.

False, because mountains are land habitats, while aquatic habitats are water-based.

What is an aquatic habitat?

Aquatic habitats include freshwater and saltwater environments, like rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Example of a wetland plant

Cattails are common plants in wetlands. They grow in water and provide wildlife habitat.

Temperate forest vs. tropical rainforest

Temperate forests have four seasons; tropical rainforests are warm and wet year-round.

Question: What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity is the variety of living things in a habitat. More biodiversity often means a healthier ecosystem.