The first step in carrying out ecological studies in a terrestrial habitat is

The first step in carrying out ecological studies in a terrestrial habitat is mapping the area. This involves obtaining an overview of the area by identifying and marking its boundaries, noting its topography and geography, and creating a base map. This information is important in helping researchers to identify sampling points, understand the distribution of the organisms and the environmental factors that may influence them. Mapping the area also provides a foundation for other ecological studies such as population dynamics, succession, and nutrient cycling.