Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A generalist is a species that can thrive in a wide range of habitats and can consume a variety of different food sources.
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.