Land vs Water Terrestrial habitats exist on land (forests, grasslands, deserts, mountains) where organisms breathe atmospheric oxygen. Aquatic habitats exist in water (oceans, ponds, rivers, lakes) where organisms utilize oxygen dissolved in water.

Water Conservation Broad leaves lose a massive amount of water through evaporation (transpiration). By transforming leaves into sharp spines, cacti minimize water loss while their thick green stems perform photosynthesis.

Cold Climate Adaptation Animals like snow leopards and yaks have thick fur coats and layers of fat under their skin to protect their bodies from bitter cold winds and sub-zero temperatures at high altitudes.