Learn it
Scientists sort animals into groups by what they have in common.
- Mammals have hair or fur and feed their babies milk (dogs, whales, people).
- Birds have feathers and lay eggs with hard shells.
- Fish live in water, breathe with gills and usually have scales and fins.
- Reptiles have dry, scaly skin (snakes, lizards, turtles).
- Amphibians usually start life in water and later live on land too (frogs, salamanders).
- Insects have six legs and three body parts.
🔎 Amazing facts
- A whale is a mammal, not a fish: it breathes air and feeds its baby milk.
- There are more kinds of insects than any other animal group.
🧪 Try it: Animal sorting game
- Cut out or draw 12 animal pictures.
- Sort them into mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects.
- Check: does each mammal have fur or hair? Does each insect have six legs?
- Find one animal that surprised you.
Think about it: Is a penguin a bird? Look for feathers and eggs to decide.