Why Animals Live Where They Live

Have you ever wondered why polar bears live in icy Arctic tundra but not in the desert? Or why frogs live near ponds but not in dry grasslands? The answer is all about the habitat! A habitat is the place where an animal lives — and not just any place. A good habitat provides three things every animal must have to survive: food, water, and shelter. Food gives animals the energy they need to grow, move, and stay healthy. A deer needs grasses and leaves, so it lives in forests and meadows where those plants grow. A pelican needs fish, so it lives near the ocean or a lake. Water is something every living thing needs to drink or absorb. Animals that need a lot of water — like frogs, beavers, and dragonflies — live close to ponds, rivers, or swamps. Shelter means a safe place to rest, hide from predators, and raise young. A bird builds a nest in a tree. A rabbit digs a burrow underground. A bear finds a cave to sleep through winter. When a habitat has ALL three — food, water, AND shelter — the animal living there has the best chance of surviving and thriving. If even one thing is missing, the animal may struggle or have to move somewhere else. Here's a hint for the activity: think about what each animal eats, drinks, and uses for safety. Match the animal to the habitat that checks all three boxes!