Animals and Their Habitats

Types of Animals#

Animals are everywhere! There are animals in the sky, in the water, underground, and in trees. Scientists sort animals into groups to help us understand them better. Let's learn about some of the main groups!

Mammals#

Mammals are animals that have hair or fur on their bodies. Mother mammals feed their babies with milk. You are a mammal! Dogs, cats, horses, bears, whales, and bats are all mammals. Most mammals live on land, but some, like dolphins and whales, live in the ocean. Mammals are warm-blooded, which means their body stays warm even when the weather is cold.

Birds#

Birds have feathers and two wings. Most birds can fly, but some, like penguins and ostriches, cannot fly. Birds lay eggs with hard shells. Robins, eagles, parrots, penguins, and owls are all birds. Birds have beaks instead of teeth, and they use their beaks to pick up food.

Fish#

Fish live in water — either in the salty ocean or in freshwater lakes and rivers. Fish have scales on their bodies and breathe using gills instead of lungs. They use their fins to swim. Goldfish, salmon, clownfish, and sharks are all fish.

Insects#

Insects are tiny animals with six legs and a body divided into three parts. Many insects have wings. Ants, bees, butterflies, grasshoppers, and beetles are all insects. There are more insects on Earth than any other kind of animal!

Reptiles and Amphibians#

Reptiles have scaly skin and include snakes, lizards, and turtles. Amphibians like frogs and salamanders start life in water and grow up to live on land too.

Every group of animals is special and amazing in its own way!