Animals are living things that usually have parts such as a head, a body and limbs. Animals are unable to make their own food. They depend on other living things for food. There are many different types of animals around us. Some animals live only on land, while some live only in water. There are also some animals that can live both on land and in water. Animals have different outer coverings as they live in different places.
Amphibians are animals that can live both on land and in water. Amphibians usually have four legs. Their strong legs and webbed feet help them swim in water. Amphibians can breathe through their lungs as well as their skin. They have a protective moist skin to prevent them from drying out when they are on land. Amphibians lay their eggs in water. When a frog lays eggs in water, the eggs hatch into tiny tadpoles. The tadpoles live in water. When they grow into adult frogs, they can live on land.
Birds live largely on land. Birds have beaks that enable them to pick up food. Birds have wings and can usually fly. Some birds such as ostriches and penguins cannot fly. Birds have an outer covering of feathers. There are different types of feathers — flight feathers on the wings help birds fly, while down feathers found closer to the body are small, soft and fluffy to keep the bird warm. Birds lay eggs. Some of the eggs will hatch into chicks.
Fish are animals that usually live only in water. They have fins to help them swim in water. Fish have an outer covering of scales. Fish usually breathe through their gills. Some fish, such as guppies, lay eggs. The female fish usually lay many eggs at one time. Other fish, such as sharks, give birth to their young alive. Starfish are NOT fish — they do not have scales or gills, and do not lay eggs.