Which best describes the relationship between habitats and ecosystems?

The correct answer emphasizes that habitats are indeed components of ecosystems. In ecological terms, a habitat refers to the specific environment in which a particular species lives, encompassing factors like food availability, climate, and shelter. An ecosystem, on the other hand, is a broader concept that includes not only the living organisms within that habitat (the biotic factors) but also the physical environment (the abiotic factors) they interact with.

By understanding that habitats make up the different areas within an ecosystem, one can better appreciate how various species adapt to their environments and how those environments contribute to the overall function and health of the ecosystem. For instance, a forest ecosystem will contain numerous habitats, such as tree canopies, forest floors, and streams, each supporting distinct communities of organisms.

This relationship highlights the interconnectedness of life and the environments in which it exists, reinforcing that habitats cannot be viewed in isolation from the ecosystems of which they are a part.