Habitats

What is a habitat ?

Every animal has a habitat. The place where an animal or plant lives and grows is called its habitat. A habitat is where an animal finds the food, water, and shelter it needs to live. For example, a toucan’s habitat is the rainforest.

Desert Habitats A desert is a very warm place. The air is very hot and dry. A desert is a very warm place. The air is very hot and dry. There is very little rain. The soil is very sandy. There is very little rain. The soil is very sandy. Most animals that live in the desert sleep during the day because it is too hot. They come out at night to eat. They are called nocturnal. Most animals that live in the desert sleep during the day because it is too hot. They come out at night to eat. They are called nocturnal. Some desert animals burrow in the ground during the day Some desert animals burrow in the ground during the day Many plants have thick leaves in the desert to retain water. Many plants have thick leaves in the desert to retain water. Most desert animals get their water from the food they eat. Most desert animals get their water from the food they eat.

Freshwater Habitats Pond Pond Lake Lake Stream Stream River River You might find frogs, ducks, beavers, turtles, dragonflies, and many kinds of fish in a freshwater habitat.

Rain Forest Habitats A rain forest is an environment where rain falls almost every day. A rain forest is an environment where rain falls almost every day. A rain forest has warm weather year round. A rain forest has warm weather year round. A rain forest has millions of plants and animals. A rain forest has millions of plants and animals. Many of these plants are used to make medicines to fight diseases and illnesses. Many of these plants are used to make medicines to fight diseases and illnesses. Rain forests are located along the equator. Rain forests are located along the equator.

Tundra Habitats A tundra is an environment that is very cold and windy. A tundra is an environment that is very cold and windy. It is a treeless area. It is a treeless area. It is the coldest environment. It is the coldest environment. The land is covered with snow and ice most of the year. The land is covered with snow and ice most of the year. Much of the land has ground that is permafrost, permanently frozen. Much of the land has ground that is permafrost, permanently frozen. The summers are short. The summers are short.

Think: What would happen if an animal’s habitat were destroyed?

Animal Adaptations Camouflage Camouflage Migrate Migrate Body Coverings Body Coverings Hibernate An adaptation is anything about an animal that helps it live or survive in its environment. Animals are always in danger of being eaten and have developed many ways of protecting themselves from hungry animals. Animals may find winter shelter in holes in trees or logs, under rocks or leaves, or tunnel underground. If animals do not adapt to their environment, they die!

Some examples of adaption

Camouflage Camouflage is when the animal blends in with the surrounding environment to help it hide. Camouflage is when the animal blends in with the surrounding environment to help it hide. Some animals’ fur or skin can change color. This helps to protect them. Some animals’ fur or skin can change color. This helps to protect them.

Body Coverings Some animals will grow new, thick fur in the fall to keep warm in the winter. Some animals will grow new, thick fur in the fall to keep warm in the winter. An armadillo has a covering of hard plates to protect its body. An armadillo has a covering of hard plates to protect its body. The porcupine uses its quills for defense. The porcupine uses its quills for defense. A turtle can pull its head, feet, and tail inside its shell for protection. A turtle can pull its head, feet, and tail inside its shell for protection.

Some animals are camouflaged to blend in with their surroundings. Some animals are camouflaged to blend in with their surroundings. This keeps them safe as it is more difficult for other animals to see them or catch them for food. This keeps them safe as it is more difficult for other animals to see them or catch them for food. This lizards skin is so similar to the rock colour. These zebra could easily be mistaken for bushes from a distance. This lion blends in well with the grassy background.

Aquatic animals have streamlined bodies to move more easliy in the water. Aquatic animals have streamlined bodies to move more easliy in the water.

All birds have similar characteristics. But many water birds have features that are different from those birds live on land. Long legs are good for wading These wings act as flippers Webbed feet for swimming

Also we can change our clothes to best suit the temperature around us. White clothes reflect the heat Animal skin and fur act as insulators and keep heat in.

These animals have adapted to live in the hot climate of the desert. Camels store water in their humps. Ostriches have long eyelashes to keep out the sand. Snakes glide across the hot sands and can shed their skin

These animals have adapted to be more suited to cold temperatures. Layers of fat keep the seals body warm, and small ears stop heat loss. Polar bears are kept warm by their body fat. Deer have a warm layer of fur.

Even plants have adapted to their habitats. The cactus has fleshy stems that store water. The water provides support for this lily as it has less developed roots to hold it in place. Dandelions seeds are easily dispersed.

Animals and plants help each other Plants and animals depend on each other for a wide variety of things. Food Nests to reproduce Shelter Protection Gas exchange

Today I Learned… Habitat In your own words explain what a habitat is and give examples. You can also illustrate a habitat of your choice. In your own words explain what a habitat is and give examples. You can also illustrate a habitat of your choice. Adaptation In your own words explain what an adaptation is and give examples. You can also illustrate an animal adaptation of your choice. In your own words explain what an adaptation is and give examples. You can also illustrate an animal adaptation of your choice.