microhabitat

[ mahy-kroh-hab-i-tat ]

noun

1. an extremely localized, small-scale environment, as a tree stump or a dead animal.

microhabitat

/ ˌmaɪkrəʊˈhæbɪtæt /

noun

1. ecology the smallest part of the environment that supports a distinct flora and fauna, such as a fallen log in a forest

microhabitat

/ mī′krō-hăb′ĭ-tăt′ /

1. See microenvironment

Word History and Origins

Origin of microhabitat¹

First recorded in 1930–35; micro- + habitat

Example Sentences

In the northern broadleaf forests of the U.S. and Canada, alien earthworms' impact on soil stresses trees such as sugar maples by altering the microhabitat of their soils.

From Science Daily

When assessing risk, it plans to group the more than 900 endangered species that may live in and around farmland according to their biology, such as the microhabitat they live in.

From Science Magazine

As a microhabitat, leaf litter is diverse.

From National Geographic

“They create this little microhabitat for reptiles, lichens, rare herbs and fungi,” Whitfield said.

From Washington Post

“Butterfly species that aren’t very good at controlling their temperature with small behavioural changes, but rely on choosing a microhabitat at the right temperature, are likely to suffer the most from climate change and habitat loss,” said Dr Andrew Bladon, of the University of Cambridge, and lead author of the study.

From The Guardian