BharatNotes Habitat
noun (countable)Usage in a UPSC answer
The Environment Impact Assessment notification requires project proponents to identify and map critical wildlife habitat within a 10-km buffer of proposed industrial corridors before the Expert Appraisal Committee grants terms of reference.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
inhabit (verb), inhabitant (noun), habitation (noun), habitable (adjective), microhabitat (noun)
Root
Latin habitare = to dwell, inhabit; third person singular present: habitat = 'it dwells'
Etymology
Directly borrowed from Latin habitat ('it inhabits/dwells'), third-person singular present of habitare, frequentative of habēre (to have, to hold). The term was introduced into natural history literature by botanists as a standard tag in flora descriptions from the late 18th century, replacing longer Latin descriptive phrases.
Memory Hook
HABITAT = HABIT + AT. An animal's habitat is simply the place it has the habit of living at. The Latin root habitare (to dwell) is also the root of habit — where you repeatedly live becomes your habitat.
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Prelims 2025 — Wildlife
- Prelims 2025 — Biodiversity
- Prelims 2024 — Biodiversity
- Prelims 2014 — Biodiversity
- Prelims 2012 — Biodiversity
- Mains 2013 · GS1 · 5 marks — Geography
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Habitat” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
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