Generalist
Definition
A generalist is a species that can thrive in a wide range of habitats and can consume a variety of different food sources.
Analogy
Think of a generalist as someone who has multiple skills and can adapt to different situations. Just like how this person can easily switch between tasks, a generalist species can survive in different environments and eat different types of food.
Related terms
Specialist: A specialist is the opposite of a generalist. It refers to a species that is highly adapted to specific habitats or has specialized dietary requirements.
Broad Niche: A broad niche refers to the ecological role or position occupied by a generalist species. It means that the species has a wide range of resources it can utilize within its habitat.
Habitat Generalists: These are organisms that have adaptations allowing them to live in various types of habitats, such as forests, grasslands, or wetlands.
"Generalist" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.