habitats
Name one animal that lives in the desert
Camel, fennec fox, rattlesnake, meerkat.
Name one animal that is a reptile.
snake, lizard, turtle, crocodile, alligator.
Name one animal you might see in a zoo.
lions, giraffes, elephants, zebras, penguins, monkeys
Why do polar bears have thick fur and a layer of fat?
To keep them warm in the freezing Arctic weather
What do herbivores eat?
Plants, such as leaves, grass, and fruit.
Which habitat is covered in ice and is home to polar bears?
The Arctic
What kind of skin covering do reptiles have?
Scales
Why do modern zoos try to make animal habitats look like the wild?
To help animals behave naturally, stay healthy, and feel less stressed
How does a giraffe’s long neck help it survive?
It lets the giraffe reach leaves high in trees that other animals cannot reach
Why do lions have sharp claws and teeth?
To catch prey and tear meat
Why do cacti have thick stems and spines instead of leaves?
To store water and reduce water loss in the desert.
Why do reptiles shed their skin?
remove old or damaged skin, get rid of parasites, and allow for growth.
Why can designing a zoo habitat for large animals (like elephants or tigers) be challenging?
Large animals need lots of space, special diets, strong barriers, and complex environments to stay healthy and safe
Why do ducks have webbed feet?
Webbed feet act like paddles, helping ducks swim easily in water
What do omnivores eat?
Both plants and animals.
What is the difference between a freshwater and a marine habitat?
Freshwater habitats have little to no salt (like rivers and lakes), while marine habitats contain salty water (like oceans)
How do crocodiles keep cool even though they can’t sweat?
They cool down by resting in water, staying in the shade, or opening their mouths (gaping) to release heat.
What is animal enrichment?
Enrichment includes toys, puzzles, scents, or activities that keep animals mentally and physically active.
What adaptation helps owls see well at night?
Their large, sensitive eyes that can gather more light.
What do cows use to help them eat tough grass?
Their flat teeth for grinding and their four-part stomach for digesting grass
Why do animals in the tundra often have white fur?
For camouflage in the snow and ice, helping them hide from predators or sneak up on prey.
What special organ helps snakes “smell” with their tongue?
The Jacobson’s organ (vomeronasal organ).
How do zoos help scientists learn about wildlife in the wild?
Scientists study zoo animals to understand their behavior, biology, and health, then use that knowledge to protect them in nature.
How does the strong, curved beak of a parrot help it survive?
It helps parrots crack open nuts and seeds
What do decomposers like worms and fungi eat, and why are they important?
They eat dead plants and animals, helping break them down and return nutrients to the soil.