A habitat is the natural home or environment of a plant, animal, or other organism. It provides the organisms that live there with food, water, shelter, and space to survive. A habitat is an environment where an organism lives throughout the year or for shorter periods of time to find a mate. Habitat types are environmental categorizations of different environments based on the characteristics of a given geographical area, particularly vegetation and climate. Thus, habitat types do not refer to a single species but to multiple species living in the same area. Examples of habitats include:

• Desert
• Meadow
• Woodland
• Grassland
• Forest
• Seashore
• Ocean

Micro-habitats are very specific, small home environments for plants, animals, and insects. Examples include ponds, individual trees, under a stone, and a pile of logs. In primary school, children learn to use the term habitat and investigate different habitats and consider which animals live in which types of habitats. In KS2, children are encouraged to describe the features of a habitat (for example, is it hot or cold, wet or dry) and consider which animals and plants are suited to this environment and why.