Habitat, << HAB uh tat, >> is the kind of place in which an organism usually lives. Water lilies and desert cactus plants have different habitats. The habitat of deep-sea fishes is quite different from that of mountain goats. Various animals and plants can be kept alive outside their natural habitats if given special care in aquariums, zoos, or botanical gardens.
Organisms live where they can satisfy their needs. Goldfish and pond plants require fresh water. On the other hand, the barnacles that cling to a ship must live in salt water. In some cases, creatures can adapt themselves to a changing habitat.
A single area may satisfy the needs of many kinds of organisms. Plants and animals that associate together in a common habitat form communities. Communities exist in various places, including on the seashore, in deserts, in freshwater lakes, and in tropical forests.
