Animals

What are Animals?

Animals are living things that can move on their own and must eat food to get energy. From the tiny ant to the giant blue whale, animals come in all shapes and sizes!

How Do We Group Animals?

Scientists group animals together based on how they are alike. Here are the five most common groups of Vertebrates (animals with backbones):

1. Mammals

• They have hair or fur.
• They feed their babies milk.
• Most are born alive (not from an egg).
• Examples: Dogs, cats, lions, and even you!

2. Birds

• They have feathers and wings.
• They lay eggs with hard shells.
• Most birds can fly, but some (like penguins) swim!
• Examples: Robin, eagle, owl, chicken.

3. Reptiles

• They have dry, scaly skin.
• They usually lay eggs on land.
• They are "cold-blooded," which means they like to soak up the sun to stay warm.
• Examples: Snakes, turtles, lizards, crocodiles.

4. Fish

• They live underwater and use gills to breathe.
• They have scales and fins for swimming.
• Examples: Goldfish, sharks, tuna.

5. Amphibians

• They live a "double life"—part on land and part in water.
• They have smooth, wet skin.
• Examples: Frogs, toads, salamanders.

What Do Animals Eat? We can also group animals by what they put on their dinner plate:

• Herbivores: Animals that eat only plants (like cows and elephants).
• Carnivores: Animals that eat only meat (like lions and wolves).
• Omnivores: Animals that eat both plants and meat (like bears and humans).

Where Do Animals Live? (Habitats) An animal's home is called its habitat. It provides the food, water, and shelter the animal needs to survive.

• Forest: Home to deer, bears, and squirrels.
• Ocean: Home to whales, fish, and octopuses.
• Desert: Home to camels and rattlesnakes.
• Arctic: Home to polar bears and penguins.

How Animals Stay Safe Animals have special "tricks" called adaptations to help them survive:

• Camouflage: Some animals change color to hide (like a chameleon).
• Armor: Some have hard shells for protection (like a turtle).
• Speed: Some run very fast to get away from danger (like a cheetah).

Lesson Summary

• Animals are living things that move and eat.
• There are five main groups: Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Fish, and Amphibians.
• They live in different habitats like forests or oceans.