Explain the differences between weather, climate, and microclimate. Which is most important for individual organisms? Give an example.

Weather is the atmospheric condition of a place over a short period of time which can last up to a few days. Climate is the weather condition of an area over a large period of time while microclimate is the climatic condition of an place within an area having a different climatic state to the larger area.

For individual organisms, microclimate is the most important. For example, individuals living near a natural body of water (streams, lakes e.t.c.) may experience cooler temperatures than the surrounding areas. This is caused by the body of water cooling the immediate atmosphere.