My Home: A Surprising Local Habitat

When we think of a habitat, we usually picture a deep jungle or a vast ocean. But did you know that your own home is actually a habitat? Even though it has walls and a roof, it is a place where different living things—including me!—get the food, water, and shelter they need to stay alive. ​The main "species" in my home habitat are my family and me. We are the consumers because we buy food from the store and cook it in the kitchen. We also have living things that we didn't even invite! If you look in the corners of the ceiling, you might see a house spider. Spiders are great for our habitat because they act as tiny pest controllers, catching flies in their webs. ​To be in a real habitat, you need four main things. Here is how my home provides them: ​Food: We have a pantry and a refrigerator full of energy. ​Water: It comes right out of the sink faucets. ​Shelter: The roof and walls protect us from the rain, wind, and heat. ​Space: We have different rooms for sleeping, playing, and eating. Do you know the phrase, “Home Sweet Home”? It’s a phrase used by a lot of people around the world, but to truly understand its meaning, you have to live in a home and experience it. ​Conclusion ​My home is a critical local habitat. It might not have a waterfall or a forest floor, but it has everything we need to survive and be happy. We have to keep our habitat clean and healthy by taking out the trash and watering the plants, just like people take care of the environment outside.