adventure

HABITAT WEEK DAY #3

It’s off to Ellie’s home on this third day of our Habitat Week! That’s right we’re going to visit the grasslands of the world. There different types of grasslands out there, but their common feature is grass and lots of it! These giant habitats are home to many different kinds of animals. So let’s learn more about grasslands!

Grassland Fun Facts:

•         Grasslands are on every continent except Antarctica.
•         There are temperate grasslands that lie north or south of the equator, these are often called prairies.
•         Tropical grasslands are located near the equator, these are often called savannas.
•         One quarter of the earth’s surface is covered in grasslands.
•         Grasslands are open and flat.
•         Tropical grasslands have dry and rainy seasons.
•         Temperate grasslands have a growing season and a dormant season.
•         Grass grows from the bottom to the top.
•         Grasslands have trees, but not many.

Animals of the Grassland:

•         Bison
•         Giraffe
•         Elephants
•         Burrowing Owls
•         Giant anteaters
•         Baboons
•         Prairie Dogs
•         Ostrich
•         Cheetahs
•         Gerenuks
•         Vultures

Grasslands are definitely Ellie’s favorite habitat on the planet. In fact on the prairies of North America there are wild horses, so Edmond is a fan too. Grasslands are home to so many kinds of herbivores and their carnivore predators. From the smallest insect to the largest land mammal on earth, grasslands are complex habitats that support a huge diversity of life.  

HABITAT WEEK DAY #2

We’re going to explore the world’s deserts today. We think deserts are void of plant and animal life, but these habitats are wonderful places full of life that has adapted to survive in a harsh environment. Let’s go exploring this amazing habitat!

Desert Fun Facts:

•         Deserts receive less than 10 inches of rain a year.
•         Deserts cover 1/3 of the earth’s surface.
•         Only 20% of deserts are covered in sand.
•         Polar deserts are in the Arctic and Antarctic. They are areas that are free of ice.
•         The largest desert on earth is the Sahara.
•         Deserts are often hot during the day and cold at night.
•         Most animals in true deserts are nocturnal.
•         Some animals, who call the desert their home, never drink water.
•         There are deserts on every continent on earth.

Animals that live in the desert:

·        Camels

•         Gila monsters
•         Kangaroo Rats
•         Desert Bighorn sheep
•         Meerkats
•         Roadrunner
•         Horned Viper
•         Western Spadefoot Toad
•         Fennec Fox
•         Desert Tortoise

Deserts are fascinating places! Animals and plants have come up with some of the most amazing adaptations to live here. There are cactuses that live up to 200 years. Camels can go days without water because they store fat in those famous humps! What is your favorite desert animal?