2
What is a habitat?
Discover P2 Term 1: Axis 2, Chapter 2
GoalExplain that a habitat is the natural home of plants and animals, and say what they need there.
New words
habitat · the place in nature where plants and animals liveshelter · a safe place to rest or hideneed · something a living thing must have to stay alive
Explanation
A habitat is the natural home of plants and animals. In a habitat they find what they need: food, water, air and shelter. The Nile is a habitat for fish, frogs and reeds. The desert is a habitat for camels and lizards. Different habitats suit different living things. A camel can live in the desert because it can go a long time without drinking. A fish cannot live in the desert because it needs water. Some animals live in more than one habitat.
Worked examples
The Nile is a habitat. Fish swim in the water. A frog sits at the edge. A goose finds food there.
A desert is a habitat too. A lizard hides under a rock. The rock is its shelter.
All living things need food, water, air and shelter.
Class activity
Habitat hunt with a grown-up. Find a small habitat in a garden, park or balcony: a tree, a plant pot or a bush. Look closely without touching the animals. Who lives there? What do they need? Draw the habitat and its living things. Wash your hands afterwards.
Practice
1
What is a habitat?
The natural home of plants and animals.
2
Name two things animals need in their habitat.
Any two of: food, water, air, shelter.
3
Which animal can live in a hot, dry desert? Say the letter.
B, the camel.
4
Why can a fish not live in the desert?
A fish needs water to live, and the desert has very little.