Habitat selection is a research area within ecology that focuses on how animals choose and use specific habitats for survival, reproduction, and other needs. This process involves a complex interaction between the characteristics of the habitat and the behavioral traits and physiological requirements of the animal. Researchers study factors such as food availability, shelter, predation risk, and competition to understand how animals select and optimize their habitats. Habitat selection plays a critical role in shaping animal distributions, population dynamics, and community interactions in ecosystems.