What term is used to define the area an animal uses for living and hunting throughout its life?

The term that best defines the area an animal uses for living and hunting throughout its life is "home range." A home range encompasses all the different locations an animal may travel to in search of food, shelter, and mates. It is not necessarily defended from others of the same species, as it may overlap with the home ranges of other individuals.

The home range concept is integral to understanding animal behavior and ecology, as it provides insight into the spatial requirements of different species, which can be crucial for effective wildlife management and conservation strategies.

In contrast, a range refers to the broader geographical area where a species is found, which may include multiple home ranges of individual animals. Territory refers to an area that an animal actively defends against others of the same species, emphasizing exclusive access rather than just utilization. Habitat describes the type of environment in which an animal lives, focusing more on the ecological characteristics rather than the specific areas used by individuals for their activities.