Each habitat provides the food, water, shelter, and space animals need to survive.
Temperate forests
Temperate forests have four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. They are full of deciduous trees that lose their leaves in autumn.
Common animals: Black bears, white-tailed deer, foxes, owls.
Adaptations: Many animals hibernate or grow thick fur in winter to survive the cold.
Fun fact: Some squirrels collect hundreds of acorns in the fall to snack on all winter.
Polar regions (Arctic and Antarctic)
These are the coldest places on Earth, with freezing temperatures and icy landscapes. There’s little plant life, but plenty of specialized animals.
Arctic animals: Polar bears, arctic foxes, snowy owls.
Antarctic animals: Emperor penguins, leopard seals.
Adaptations: Animals have thick fur or blubber to stay warm. Some even change color with the seasons, for example the Arctic Hare and the Arctic Fox.
Did You Know? Only male emperor penguins keep the egg warm by balancing it on their feet.
Deserts
Deserts are dry environments that receive very little rainfall. Some are hot (like the Sahara), while others are cold (like the Gobi Desert).
Common animals: Camels, kangaroo rats, scorpions, fennec foxes.
Adaptations: Many desert animals are nocturnal, meaning they come out at night when it’s cooler.
Survival skill: Camels can drink up to 40 gallons of water in one go and store it in their bodies.
Grasslands (Savannas and Prairies)
Grasslands are wide, open areas filled with grass but few trees. They often experience dry and rainy seasons.
Savanna animals: Lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants.
Prairie animals: Bison, prairie dogs, coyotes.
Adaptations: Many grassland animals are fast runners or live in groups to avoid predators.
Interesting Fact: Some African elephants migrate hundreds of miles in search of water during the dry season.
Tropical rainforests
These are warm, wet environments that receive heavy rainfall all year round. They have the most biodiversity of any habitat on Earth.
Common animals: Jaguars, toucans, tree frogs, monkeys, sloths.
Adaptations: Many rainforest animals are excellent climbers and use camouflage to hide among the plants.
Rainforest fact: Over half of the world’s plant and animal species live in rainforests.
Marine (ocean) habitats
Oceans cover about 70% of Earth’s surface. Marine habitats include coral reefs, deep sea zones, and coastal waters.
Common animals: Whales, dolphins, sea turtles, clownfish.
Adaptations: Marine animals have gills, flippers, or streamlined bodies for swimming.
Deep sea secret: Some fish that live in the darkest parts of the ocean can glow. This is called bioluminescence.
