Characteristics of Organisms Found in Different Habitats

Below are some characteristics of organisms found in aquatic, terrestrial, and arboreal habitats;

Characteristics of Aquatic Organisms:

Organisms in aquatic habitats are adapted to their habitat through:

1. The use of gills for respiration.

2. Possession of a well-streamlined body.

3. The use of fins and web digits for movement, for example, fish.

4. The ability to breathe by filler method.

5. Possession of lateral line to detect danger, for example, Tilapia fish.

6. The ability to float due to intercellular air space.

7. Possession of mucilaginous cover that protects some plants, for example, spirogyra.

Characteristics of Terrestrial Organisms:

Organisms in terrestrial habitats are characterized by:

1. Each terrestrial organism has a distinct colouration with the environment, which helps them hide from predators.

2. Most terrestrial organisms have four limbs, two forelimbs, and two hind limbs.

3. Terrestrial plants that avoid drought complete their life cycle within a few months.

4. When there is no rainfall, desert trees shed their leaves to reduce the rate of water loss and as such conserve water, while others have their leaves as modified stems, for example, cactus opuntia.

5. Roots of most terrestrial plants are long and twisted which enables them to absorb more water.

6. Some plants grow thorns (spiny needles) in place of leaves to defend themselves from herbivores.

7. Possession of exoskeleton for protection and support.

Characteristics of Arboreal Organisms:

Organisms in arboreal habitats are characterized by:

1. Possession of wings for flight.

2. Possession of two legs for movement.

3. Possession of hind limbs which enables them to climb trees.

4. The ability of plants to possess climbing roots while others have tendrils.