Specialization

The specialization of a species refers to it's ability to survive in a range of environments and use a range of resources. This depends on the evolutionary trade-offs that result in the species's preferred diet, habitat and climate. Species can be described as either specialists or generalists. Specialists have a population distribution limited to a small landscape area due to requiring particular, unique and/or rare resources. Generalists can be found in a variety of different environments due to their ability to adapt to a wide range of food, habitat and climate. Generalists often have higher rates of colonization, due to a high probability of being able to survive in the new environment.