Microhabitats

Science Lesson

Microhabitats

What is a microhabitat?

A microhabitat is a very small, specialized habitat, such as a clump of grass or a space between rocks.

Microhabitats

• It is a habitat for extremely small creatures such as woodlice. We call these creatures minibeasts.

• A microhabitat has its own conditions of temperature and light and its own characteristics.

• Microhabitats include the shady area under a tree and the underside of a rock in a stream.

A Fallen Log

It is dark and warm inside.

Minibeasts live here because they can eat the rotting wood, keep moist in the dark inside and burrow out of the sun. 

They are safe from birds that want to eat them.

Leaf Litter

This microhabitat is home to animals that like to be warm, damp and dark.

The animals can nest or hide to protect themselves.

Rock Pool

The microhabitat of a rock pool can change as the tide comes in and out and washes water and life in and out of the pools.

Some rock pools are full of life whilst others, at the back of the beach, that do not get refreshed by the tide, have less life. 

A Clump of Grass

A clump of grass is a microhabitat.

It is home to many minibeasts who eat the grass, shelter in the clump and can be camouflaged in the leaves.

Multiple Choice

What is a microhabitat?

• A very big cold, wet and windy area.

• A small, specialized habitat.

• A very large hot and humid place.

Multiple Choice

What do we call the types of creatures we find in microhabitats?

• Minibeasts

• Large animals

• Fish

Multiple Select

Click on the pictures that show an example of a microhabitat.

Activity

We would like you to go on a microhabitat hunt!

Draw or take pictures of what you find and label them.

Upload your learning to GC.