Animal Habitats

A habitat is the place where an animal naturally lives. It provides everything the animal needs to survive. This includes food, water, shelter, and space. Different animals need different types of habitats.

Types of Habitats

There are many types of habitats on Earth. Forests, oceans, deserts, and grasslands are all habitats. Freshwater habitats include rivers, lakes, and ponds. Even a tiny puddle can be a habitat for some creatures.

Protecting Habitats

When habitats are destroyed, animals lose their homes. Cutting down forests hurts many animals that live in trees. Pollution can damage ocean habitats. People can help by protecting wild places and keeping nature clean.

Fun Facts

• The ocean is the biggest habitat on Earth, covering more than 70 percent of the planet.
• A single tree can be a habitat for hundreds of different species.
• Some animals, like the hermit crab, carry their habitat on their back!

Did You Know?

A microhabitat is a very tiny habitat. The space under a single rock can be home to dozens of insects, worms, and other small creatures!