Habitat vs. Ecosystem — What's the Difference?

In ecology, the term habitat summarises the array of resources, physical and biotic factors that are present in an area, such as to support the survival and reproduction of a particular species. A species habitat can be seen as the physical manifestation of its ecological niche.

An ecosystem (or ecological system) consists of all the organisms and the physical environment with which they interact. These biotic and abiotic components are linked together through nutrient cycles and energy flows.

The natural environment in which a species or group of species lives

An ecological community together with its environment, functioning as a unit.

A particular kind of natural environment

A system formed by an ecological community and its environment that functions as a unit.

An artificial environment created for an animal to live in

The interconnectedness of organisms (plants, animals, microbes) with each other and their environment.

A structure that affords a controlled environment for living in extremely inhospitable locations, such as an underwater research laboratory.

(by extension) A network of interconnected people or organisations that resembles a natural ecosystem due to the complex interdependencies.

The place where a person lives or is most likely to be found

A system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their physical environment

Conditions suitable for an organism or population of organisms to live.

A place or type of site where an organism or population naturally occurs.

A terrestrial or aquatic area distinguished by geographic, abiotic and biotic features, whether entirely natural or semi-natural.

A place in which a person lives.

The natural abode, locality or region of an animal or plant.

Place where anything is commonly found.

The type of environment in which an organism or group normally lives or occurs;