Classifying Animals
We divided our animals up into 6 main groups based on their habitats that they live in. BUT many different types of animals can live in the same habitat as each other. Animals belong to different families, just like we do! Here is a video that helps to explain each type of animal family!
The animal families are listed below!
The animal families are listed below!
Here is a map of the different animal families!
Mammals
Mammals are characterized by warm blood, body fur or hair, and glands that produce milk to feed their young. Besides these similarities, mammals are wildly diverse in shape, size, habitat and behavior! Examples include dogs, humans, lions, horses, and even whales and dolphins! Find out more HERE! |
Birds
Birds are often envied for their ability to fly, but not all of them can. Birds are warm-blooded creatures that have feathers, wings, and, in most species, hollow bones! Some common birds include flamingos, toucans, penguins, and owls. Find out more HERE! |
Fish
Cold-blooded and usually scaley, fish live their entire lives underwater. Made for swimming, they propel themselves with the use of fins, and breathe by filtering water from their mouths, out through slits called gills. Although fish are commonly kept as pets, there are others -- like sharks, for example -- which are far too dangerous to keep in captivity Find out more HERE! |
Reptiles
Reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates that have scales layered over their skin. Dry-skinned and scaley, most reptiles lay eggs just like birds! Common reptiles include lizards, snakes, alligators and crocodiles. Find out more HERE! |
Amphibians
Amphibians are cold-blooded animals that usually split their time between using their lungs on land and breathing with gills underwater. This group includes frogs, toads, newts and salamanders. Find out more HERE! |
Invertebrates and Insects
The word Invertebrate describes any animal which does not have a spine. Many invertebrates make up for this by developing a shell (as with snails), or a hard outside that protects their entire body (as with lobsters and insects.) Having a shell doesn't qualify an animal as an invertebrate because many other invertebrates are soft-bodied, relying on other ways to protect themselves from their environment. Insects are invertebrates and are the most popular wild animal on Earth. There are creepy-crawlies everywhere! Some popular ones include ants, butterflies, spiders, ladybugs, and so many more! Learn more HERE! |
SO... as you can see, many different FAMILIES of animals might be able to live within one HABITAT.
For example, a rainforest habitat would maybe have a toucan bird, a mammal monkey, and spider invertebrates all within the same habitat!
For example, a rainforest habitat would maybe have a toucan bird, a mammal monkey, and spider invertebrates all within the same habitat!
Alright Kids!
Check out some cool sites below to start your research!
National Geographic Kids - Look through animals and learn facts. Also has videos! Can search by habitat or animal family!
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A-Z Animals - Huge list of lots of animal names!
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