Lots of species of animals and plants have evolved to only live in one place or eat one particular thing. Scientists call them ‘specialists’.

This can give them advantages but also leaves them vulnerable. Advantages that specialists have include less competition with other species for habitat and evading predators. However, they are vulnerable to habitat degradation or destruction and also tend to be more vulnerable to environmental changes. Examples of specialists include pandas, polar bears and koalas.

‘Generalists’ are species that can live in a range of different habitats and/or eat a range of different foodstuffs.

This means they are less vulnerable to habitat loss or environmental change. However, they might have to compete with other generalists for the same resources. Examples of generalists include pigeons, foxes and crows.