Comprehension/Science

ANIMALS AND THEIR NEEDS

All animals need some basic things to stay alive. These basic needs are
shelter, food, water, and air. The loss of any of these things, or even
changes to the supply of these things, can hurt or kill
an animal.
Shelter is important. It protects animals from bad
weather and dangerous predators. Animals have
different types of shelter. The type of shelter depends
on the animal and the environment it is in. Without any
shelter, an animal is in danger from many elements.
Food is important. Without food, animals cannot
survive. Different animals need different foods, but all
animals need food for energy. If an animals food
supply is gone, the animal must move to find more
food. If they cannot move to a place with more food,
they will die.
Water is important. Some animals live in the water,
and they need it to stay alive. Water helps animals that
dont live in the water to keep themselves clean. More
importantly, it helps keep the animals bodies working.
Some animals need lots of water, and some only need
a little, but all animals will die without clean water.
Air is important. The air contains oxygen, which is
necessary for animal survival. If there is no air, or if the
air is very dirty, or if the air contains chemicals that are
harmful, then the animals that breathe the air can
become very sick or even die.
Shelter, food, water, and air are the most important things that every animal
needs. Without these basic things, an animaleven an entire population of
animalscan die very quickly.

2002-2011 abcteach.com

Comprehension/Science

Name___________________________________________________ Date_________

ANSWER THE QUESTIONS ABOUT ANIMALS & THEIR NEEDS

1. Which are three of the four basic things that animals need?
a. food, clothing, water
b. shelter, air, water
c. food, water, shower
d. clothing, shelter, food
2. Think of an animal. How are its basic needs met? (For example, a
bird has a nest for shelter; it eats seeds and nuts; and it uses a
puddle of water to wash itself). Write about one animal here:
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3. Look at the list. Write each word in the correct column:
apartment
house
pond

burrow
lake
rice

SHELTER

cave
meat
river
WATER

den
nest
sandwich

eggs
ocean
seeds
FOOD

2002-2011 abcteach.com

Comprehension/Science

Name___________________________________________________ Date_________

Write complete sentences to answer the questions below.

1. Imagine how a certain animal might react to a food shortage.
Describe.

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2. Tell how an animals need for water reminds you of an experience
you have had (yourself or with your family or friends).

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3. After reading the article what do you think is meant by shelter?

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4. What did you learn about animals and their needs that you did not
know? How will you use that new information?

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2002-2011 abcteach.com

Comprehension/Science

Name___________________________________________________ Date_________

ANSWERS TO ANIMALS AND THEIR NEEDS

1.
2.
3.

b
answers should vary.

SHELTER
apartment

lake

eggs

burrow

ocean

meat

cave

pond

rice

den

river

sandwich

house

WATER

FOOD

seeds

nest
Short-answer
1.
(Answers may vary, accept reasonable answers.)
2.
(Answers may vary, accept reasonable answers.)
3.
Shelter = somewhere to live, protection from the weather, etc.
4.
(Answers may vary, accept reasonable answers.)

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