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Kids learn about the grasslands biome. Flat with few trees, these ecosystems feed much of the world.

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Kids learn about the desert biome. The dryest areas on Earth still have plant and animal life.

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Kids learn about the tundra grasslands biome. This cold and dry ecosystem is located far to the north.

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Science for Kids: Tropical Rainforest Biome

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Kids learn about the tropical rainforest biome. This diverse ecosystem produces much of the Earth's biodiversity.

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Green Iguana for Kids: Giant lizard from the rainforest.

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Identify the green iguana, the giant lizard that has become a popular pet.

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Polar Bears: Learn about these giant white animals.

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Learn about polar bears, the largest carnivore on land. They like to swim and enjoy the cold.

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10 brrr-illiant reindeer facts! - National Geographic Kids

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Did you know, reindeer are the only deer species in which both male & female can grow antlers? Discover more reindeer facts with Nat Geo Kids

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4 Facts to Know About Reindeer | Winter Science | Holiday Science | SciShow Kids

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Not far from the North Pole, the world is frozen for thousands of miles. Suddenly a snowy mound wiggles and reveals two dark eyes. The lump is transformed into the furry white body of a lone arctic fox. The canine casually shakes the blanket of snow off her thick coat-the key to her survival. But warm fur alone might not keep this fox alive during the polar winter, when temperatures rarely get above zero degrees Fahrenheit. Until spring arrives, this arctic fox will rely on some freeze-defying strategies, making it a champion of the cold.

BUILT FOR THE ARCTIC

Arctic foxes live on the land and sea ice within the Arctic Circle. Winter in the Arctic is unlike winter in most parts of the world. From October to February, the sun never rises to shine warmth and light.

Luckily, these small foxes have some useful adaptations for living in the icy Arctic. Their thick fur coat keeps the fox's body at a toasty 104°F. Their long, fluffy tails act like a blanket, keeping the fox warm when it wraps the tail around its body to sleep.

Their feet also have a layer of thick fur, like built-in snow boots. This helps muffle an arctic fox's footsteps, making it harder for prey to hear them. And their white coats make it difficult for predators such as wolves, polar bears, and golden eagles to spot them among the ice and snow.

FINDING FOOD

When it's not trying to keep warm or avoid predators, an arctic fox is on the hunt for food. They prefer to eat small rodents called lemmings, but when times are tough they'll eat whatever they can find: insects, berries, and even the droppings of other animals. Sometimes an arctic fox will follow a polar bear on a hunting trip and eat the bear's leftovers.

If a fox can't find food, or if the weather gets really bad, it can dig a snow den and hunker down for up to two weeks. As long as a fox is warm, it can slow down its heart rate and metabolism, which helps the animal save energy so it doesn't have to eat as much. It's sort of like how bears hibernate, but for a shorter period of time.

Once the animal emerges from its den, it'll try to hunt again. With food in its belly, the arctic fox has a better chance of making it through another long, dark winter.

ARCTIC FOX FAST FACTS

* An arctic fox can smell a seal den a mile away.

* Arctic foxes can be white, brown, or even blueish-gray. Its color depends on the time of year.

* Arctic fox dens are used for generations-some are as old as 300 years.

* These foxes have small ears. That reduces heat loss because less is exposed to the cold.

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Not far from the North Pole, the world is frozen for thousands of miles. Suddenly a snowy mound wiggles and reveals two dark eyes. The lump is transformed into the furry white body of a lone arctic fox. The canine casually shakes the blanket of snow off her thick coat-the key to her survival.

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Are you ready to meet a super-cool critter with a serious sting in its tale? Then check out our fascinating scorpion facts!

Fast scorpion facts

Scientific name: Scorpiones
Family name: Scorpionoidea
Classification: Invertebrate
IUCN status: Not evaluated
Lifespan (in wild): 5 years
Weight: 10g-100g
Body size: 6cm
Diet: Carnivore
Habitat: Most common in deserts and dry grassland
Range:

Scorpions are arachnids and have eight legs like their cousins - spiders, mites and ticks. They look a bit like small lobsters, equipped with a pair of pincers and a thin, segmented tail that curves over their back. These cool critters can be found on every continent around the world, except Antarctica, but they're most common in deserts and areas of hot, dry lands.

Fearsome predators, scorpions have an impressive method for catching their grub. When hungry, a scorpion will quickly grab its prey with its pincers, and then whip its telson - the poisonous tip of their tail - forward to sting and kill the doomed victim. Ouch! These awesome arachnids typically eat insects (although some eat spiders, lizards and small rodents, too), and each species has a special type of venom that works well against the chosen prey.

Scorpions don't only use their stings to kill their prey - they use it to defend themselves against predators, too, such as snakes, lizards and birds. Whilst the venom of most scorpions is only powerful enough to kill small creatures, there are around 30-40 species with a sting strong enough to kill a human. Thankfully, humans aren't on the scorpion's menu, and these quirky critters will only attack if they feel threatened. Phew!

Equipped with seriously super survival skills, these amazing creatures live in some of our planet's toughest environments. When food is scarce, scorpions can slow down their metabolism (the process animals use to get energy from food) so much so that they are able to live off just one insect per year! And they can withstand incredibly harsh climates, too, both hot and cold. Believe it or not, researchers have frozen scorpions overnight, only to put them in the sun the next day and watch them thaw out and walk away. In the hot, dry deserts, where many species live, scorpions cope with the scorching heat of the sun by burrowing beneath the sand or soil.

Scorpions have been around since before the age of the dinosaurs, and scientists think they may even have been the first animals to move from water to land hundreds of millions of years ago. Prehistoric fossils of scorpions found in Scotland show that their appearance hasn't changed over the millennia. They have, however, changed in size with today's scorpions measuring half the size of their ancient ancestors.

Credits - Scorpion close-up: Emanuele Biggi. OSF/Photolibrary. Scorpion with tail up: Otto Hahn, Picture Press/Photolibrary. Richard du Toit, Getty.

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Scorpion facts for kids | National Geographic Kids

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Scorpion facts for kids: learn about this awesome arachnid, with facts about scorpion behaviour, habitat, survival skills and the super scorpion sting.

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This animal is well known for having a hump back and living in the desert, but did you know the camel is a very interesting animal?

There are lots of fun things to learn about the camel - read these fascinating facts about this animal.

There are two different types of camels - the dromedary camel (the kind that has only one hump) and the Bactrian camel (which has two humps).

Where Do Camels Live?

The one-humped camel resides in North Africa and the Middle East, while the two-humped camel is commonly found in Central Asia.

No matter where they live, camels are usually found in desert-type climates. Some camels are native to specific deserts. For example, Bactrian camels are native to the Gobi Desert in China and the Bactrian steppes of Mongolia.

Camels can also be found in cold weather climates as well, despite popular belief.

Here's a really gross fact, so prepare yourself - people have actually drank camel urine before for medicinal purposes! I bet our medicine doesn't look too bad now, right?

Camel Milk Is Incredibly Nutritious

Camel milk is a nutritious beverage rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It contains more iron, vitamin C, and unsaturated fatty acids than cow's milk. Camel milk is also lower in lactose, making it easier for people with lactose intolerance to digest.

It may have therapeutic benefits for people with diabetes, as it may help regulate blood sugar levels. Camel milk also contains immune-boosting compounds like lactoferrin and immunoglobulins. Although it may not be as widely available as cow's milk, it's becoming increasingly popular and worth considering as a healthy addition to your diet.

Lifespan Of Camel

Camels are known for their ability to survive in harsh desert environments, and they have a relatively long lifespan compared to other large mammals. In the wild, camels can live up to 40 years, while captive camels have been known to live up to 50 years or more.

Various factors, including genetics, environment, diet, and disease, influence the lifespan of a camel. Proper care and management, including regular veterinary check-ups, can help camels live long and healthy lives.

Why Do Camels Have A Hump?

The camel's hump is actually very useful. Contrary to popular belief, however, the camel's hump is not filled with water.

It consists of stored fat which the camels can resource when food and water are very limited.

This fat can be broken down and used as nutrition in emergencies where food is scarce, so camels can go for days without water or food.

Another aspect that helps camels go without water is their incredible ability to minimize their water losses.

When they use the bathroom, their droppings are very dry and their urine is extremely concentrated, allowing them to retain more water.

Here's a gross fact - but a very true one! Believe it or not, camels have a third, clear eyelid which protects their eyes from sand and dirt blowing in the desert.

Another helpful aspect of their eyes are their two sets of eyelashes, which help keep their eyes clean.

Camels also have the handy ability of shutting their nostrils during sandstorms. As you can tell, camels are definitely meant to live in the desert.

Camels As A Mode Of Transport

Camels, like donkeys, have been used as a method of transportation for humans for a very long time - thousands of years, believe it or not.

Camels can carry up to 500 pounds on their backs, so people or goods can be transported.

Nowadays, camels are more often used for transporting products rather than people.

How Fast Can A Camel Run?

Camels can run up to speeds of 40 miles per hour - that's pretty fast for an animal thought to be rather slow, isn't it?

What Does The Word 'Camel' Mean?

The word "camel" is actually Arabic and means beauty.

Camels do not start sweating until temperatures reach 106 degrees.

How Big Are Camels?

Most camels are much larger than humans are. The average two-humped camel grows to a shoulder height of 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length and a body length of about 10 feet (3 meters).

They can weigh anywhere from 1,320 to 2,200 pounds.

A one-humped camel can be about 6.5 feet (2 meters) tall and weigh anywhere from 880 to 1,325 pounds.

Many people who see a camel in person are very surprised by how big they actually are.

Camels are not picky eaters whatsoever. In fact, due to their very thick lips, they can eat some things that would seriously hurt other animals and people - like thorn covered plants, for example.

One thing camels do not eat is meat, because they are herbivores.

How Much Water Do Camels Need?

Although camels can a long time without water, it doesn't mean they don't need any.

Camels typically live in very hot and dry desert climates and when they find a source of water, they fill up!

A typical camel can down up to 30 gallons of water in a mere 13 minutes.

The camel's body rehydrates very quickly, much faster than any other animal.

In very desperate times, camels can survive up to six months without food or water.

There Is A Camel Festival In The United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates hosts an annual Camel Festival, celebrating the country's cultural heritage and the importance of camels in Bedouin life. The festival features various competitions, including camel racing, beauty contests, and best-dressed camel competitions. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Emirati food and music and browse the many stalls selling souvenirs and handicrafts.

The festival attracts camel owners and enthusiasts worldwide, making it a vibrant and colorful event. The festival is a testament to the UAE's deep connection to its past and its commitment to preserving its cultural traditions.

Camels And Llamas Are Cousins

Camels and llamas are both members of the Camelidae family, making them distant cousins. They share many physical and behavioral traits, such as their ability to survive in harsh environments and their unique digestive systems.

However, there are also significant differences between the two species, such as camels being primarily found in desert regions. In contrast, llamas are typically found in more temperate environments.

Additionally, camels are much larger and have distinctive humps on their backs, while llamas are smaller and lack this feature. Despite their differences, both camels and llamas have played important roles in human history and continue to be valued for their unique abilities.

Camels Spit As A Defense Mechanism

Camels are well-known for their ability to spit as a defense mechanism. Feeling threatened or agitated, they may regurgitate and expel a mixture of saliva, stomach contents, and mucus at their perceived attacker.

This projectile can be aimed accurately up to six feet away and has a foul odor and taste, making it an effective deterrent against predators and other perceived threats. However, camels don't spit indiscriminately and usually reserve this behavior for situations where they feel threatened or need to establish dominance within their social hierarchy.

There Are Three Species Of Camels

There are three species of camels: the Dromedary, the Bactrian, and the wild Bactrian.

The dromedary, also known as the Arabian camel, has one hump and is found in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia.

The Bactrian camel has two humps and is native to Central and East Asia deserts.

The wild Bactrian camel, also known as the Mongolian camel, is critically endangered and is found only in parts of China and Mongolia.

These remarkable animals are well-adapted to life in harsh desert environments, with features like tough skin, the ability to store water, and specially adapted feet to help them walk on sand.

Camels Are Known For Their Ability To Do Heavy Lifting

Camels are known for their ability to do heavy lifting, both literally and figuratively. With their distinctive humps, camels are well-suited to carrying heavy loads across long distances, making them invaluable for transportation in desert regions.

Additionally, their ability to withstand extreme temperatures and go for long periods without water or food makes them ideal for arduous journeys. Beyond their physical strength, camels are also highly valued in many cultures for their resilience, patience, and adaptability. All in all, these hardy creatures are a testament to the power of determination and endurance in the face of adversity.

The Wild Bactrian Camel Is Critically Endangered

The Wild Bactrian Camel, a rare species found in remote parts of China and Mongolia, is critically endangered, with only an estimated 1,400 individuals left in the wild. The camel faces multiple threats, including habitat loss due to mining and oil exploration, hunting for meat and hides, and competition with domestic livestock for resources.

The species is also vulnerable to extreme weather events and diseases. Conservation efforts, such as habitat protection and anti-poaching measures, are crucial to prevent the extinction of this unique and iconic animal.

Camels Can Sleep Standing Up

Camels are well-known for their ability to adapt to extreme environments, and one of their most interesting adaptations is their ability to sleep standing up. This is due to a unique structure in their legs that allows them to lock their knees and rest their weight on their bones and tendons.

By sleeping standing up, camels are able to avoid lying on the hot ground during the day and reduce their risk of being attacked by predators. Additionally, their ability to sleep standing up allows them to quickly get up and move if they sense danger or they need to graze.

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16 Fun & Interesting Camel Facts For Kids [year] [With Pictures]

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Camel Facts This animal is well known for having a hump back and living in the desert, but did you know the camel is a very interesting animal? There are lots of fun things to

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Adaptations of  the Camels ( desert animals) -For Kids

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There are more than 24 rattlesnake species and all of them have that most-famous feature: the rattle! The rattle is found at the tip of the rattlesnake's tail. The snake uses the rattle to warn potential aggressors to back off or to distract prey. The famous rattle noise comes from the sound created when hollow and bony doughnutlike segments in the rattle bang together.

As rattlesnakes age, segments on the end of the rattle wear out and break off. New segments grow when the rattlesnake sheds its skin, or molts. Like other snakes, rattlesnakes don't have ears and can't hear most sounds. They detect movement by sensing vibrations in the ground. Their eyes see well even in low light.

The rattlesnake's triangular head contains a hollow spot between the eyes and nostrils called a pit. This pit is actually a sensory organ that helps the rattlesnake hunt in darkness by detecting body heat.

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Rattlesnakes live in many places and habitats in the Western Hemisphere, from mountains to deserts and plains. There are more than 24 rattlesnake species and all of them have that most-famous feature: the rattle! The rattle is found at the tip of the rattlesnake's tail.

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Cheetah Facts for Kids • Cheetah Conservation Fund

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Get the coolest cheetah facts for kids from the world’s leading experts on cheetahs. Written for your reports, presentations, and personal enjoyment!

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Cheetahs for Kids: Learn All About Cheetahs - FreeSchool

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CUTE ALERT

Up to 15 inches long, the prairie dog is related to the squirrel. And this mammal is all about family time. Prairie dog family groups, which contain up to 26 individuals, share food, groom each other, and even greet one another with nose-to-nose nuzzles.

COUNTRY HOME

Prairie dog families live with hundreds of others in networks of tunnels dug below North America's grasslands. Most of these communities, called dog towns, cover less than half a square mile. But one in Texas stretched a hundred miles!

How are prairie dogs able to construct these rodent residences? The animals' sharp claws make them expert diggers. They also have excellent vision and hearing, which allow them to easily detect predators such as coyotes and snakes when aboveground. Once a prairie dog senses danger, it alerts others by barking. It even uses different barks for different enemies.

OUTDOOR RECESS

When hungry, prairie dogs emerge from their tunnels to forage for food. Using their sharp teeth, they act like little lawnmowers, trimming and gulping down grass. Outside, they also have some fun: Prairie dog pups enjoy romping around their burrows. Talk about party animals.

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Prairie dogs may bark like dogs-that's how they got their name-but the little guys are rodents, not canines. CUTE ALERT Up to 15 inches long, the prairie dog is related to the squirrel. And this mammal is all about family time.

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Interesting and Fun Facts About Prairie Dogs

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Rattlesnake Adaptations | How Rattlesnakes Survive | EdZOOcating Adventures

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Four species of anteaters can be found living in their natural tropical forest, savanna and grassland habitats in South and Central America. Anteaters are highly adapted to their habitats and diet. Although it is necessary for the anteater to eat a large number of ants and termites to gain enough en…

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Giant Anteater Adaptations | How Do Anteaters Eat 30,000 Ants per Day? | EdZOOcating Adventures

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Scroll all the way to the bottom for the Lemur Adaptations section

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Over 130 species of monkeys live in far-flung locations around the globe. Zoologists have established two geographically distinct populations -- the Old World monkeys of Africa and Asia, such as macaques, baboons, and colobus monkeys, and the New World monkeys of the Western Hemisphere, such as spider monkeys, howler monkeys, and squirrel monkeys.

Most monkeys are arboreal, meaning that they live mainly in trees, while others are terrestrial and spend most of their time on the ground. Like all animals, monkeys have evolved in accordance with the unique demands of their environments.

Monkey adaptations, including the howler monkey, baboons, and various types of jungle monkey, allow them to live and survive in their particular environments.

New World monkeys are all arboreal, while Old World monkeys can be either arboreal or terrestrial. These two groups of animals display significant morphological differences.

Old World monkeys, such as macaques for example, have cheek pouches, so they can store food on the go and consume it later. New World monkeys don't need these, as living primarily in trees (like jungle monkeys, for example) minimizes the need to flee from predators. Also, Old World monkeys have ischial callosities, or hairless rump pads, which may represent adaptations for extended periods of sitting or lying on rough branches, rocks, and the like.

Although monkeys are formally classified as either arboreal or terrestrial, both types spend some of their time on the ground and some in trees.

Prehensile tails are tails that can grab and hold on to things. While all monkeys use their hands and feet to climb and navigate above the ground, only arboreal types have prehensile tails, which are ridged on the underside and very flexible. These tails are dexterous enough to grab things as small as a peanut, and strong enough so that monkeys can swing from branches using only their tails.

Arboreal monkeys also manifest more sentinel, or guarding, behavior when they do feed on the ground, a likely adaptation to being smaller and lighter -- which helps when spending a lot of time between tree branches -- and thus less formidable in physical combat. The Howler monkey has evolved a way to fend off predators when they do venture to the ground: a loud and intimidating scream (a "howl" so to speak).

Monkeys that conduct most of their monkey business on land show adaptations typical of land-dwellers, rather than tree-dwellers. While the smaller size of arboreal monkeys is an adaptation to living in trees, the aggressiveness of ground-dwelling moneys is related to their life in the more dangerous environment on the ground. Because terrestrial monkeys rely less on sentinels and more on traditional fighting to keep other species from laying claim to their food, they have evolved to be physically larger and stronger than New World monkeys.

Some Old World female monkeys have large, swollen patches of practically hairless skin in their genital regions, called sexual skins or sexual swellings. These become quite prominent at the peak of these monkeys' fertility -- that is, when they are in estrus. Under the provocation of hormonal changes that also lead to ovulation, these areas become swollen with fluids and turn bright pink or red, and emit odors that male monkeys find exciting.

In some species, size matters; in olive baboons, for example, the males find the females with the largest sexual skins the most attractive in a community. As a result, these females usually have more offspring, and so they are more likely to pass along the genes for super-prominent skins to the next generation.

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How Is a Monkey Adapted to Its Environment?

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Over 130 species of monkeys exist around the globe. Zoologists have established two distinct populations -- the Old World monkeys of Africa and Asia, such as macaques and colobus monkeys, and the New World monkeys of the Western Hemisphere, such as spider monkeys and howler monkeys.

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Lemurs! - From San Diego Zoo Kids Network

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Zebras are horse-like animals that live in Africa, with three separate species of zebras found on that continent. The plains zebra is the most common, with the mountain zebra and the Grevy's zebra less so. Zebras closely resemble stout ponies and exist in herds for protection from predators such as the lion, leopard and hyena.

The most famous features of zebras are their black and white stripes, which serve as a sort of protective coloration, making it difficult to distinguish the animal against certain backgrounds and hard to determine where one zebra ends and another begins. These stripes are different from animal to animal and the skin of the zebra underneath its coat is actually black.

The male zebra can sometimes stand as high as five feet at the shoulder. The females are usually smaller, with a good-sized one being four and a half feet high when measured from the ground to the top of the shoulder.

A female zebra will weigh between 400 and 600 pounds with the males being heavier than that. A large specimen may push the scales towards 900 pounds but most males average around 700 pounds.

The typical zebra has small hooves but very large ears, which enable them to hear what danger may be heading their way. The mane of the zebra is comprised of almost bristle-like hairs which give it the appearance of a mohawk-type haircut and the legs are particularly muscular and very strong.

Zebras will flee before predators using a zigzagging running style to try to confuse its pursuer. The zebra is not nearly as fast as a horse but its amazing stamina allows it to run at constant speeds for very long distances.

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Zebras are horse-like animals that live in Africa, with three separate species of zebras found on that continent. The plains zebra is the most common, with the mountain zebra and the Grevy's zebra less so. Zebras closely resemble stout ponies and exist in herds for protection from predators such as the lion, leopard and hyena.

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Zebras for Kids: Learn all About Zebras - FreeSchool