What is Weather?
Weather is the condition of the air around us right now or today.
It can be:
• Sunny ☀️
• Cloudy ☁️
• Rainy 🌧️
• Windy 🌬️
• Snowy ❄️
• Stormy ⛈️
Example:
If it is raining today, we say, “Today’s weather is rainy.”
What is Climate?
Climate is the typical weather in a place over a long time, like many years.
Some places are always hot, and some are always cold.
That is their climate.
Examples of Climate:
• Desert: Hot and dry (like the Sahara)
• Rainforest: Hot and wet (like the Amazon)
• Arctic: Very cold (like Antarctica)
• Temperate: Not too hot or cold, with four seasons (like parts of the USA or Europe)
How Do Weather and Climate Affect Animals?
Animals live in places where they can survive and grow.
The weather and climate decide:
• Where animals live
• What they eat
• How they move
• What their bodies look like
Animal Adaptations to Climate
Adaptation means a special feature or behavior that helps animals live in their environment.
Cold Climates (Polar Regions):
Animals need to stay warm.
Examples:
Polar bears have thick fur and fat (blubber) to stay warm.
Penguins huddle together to keep warm.
Hot Climates (Deserts):
Animals need to stay cool and save water.
Examples:
Camels store fat in their humps and can go without water for days.
Fennec foxes have large ears to release heat.
Rainy Climates (Rainforests):
Animals need to climb and hide from rain and predators.
Examples:
Monkeys have strong arms and tails for climbing trees.
Frogs have sticky feet to hold onto wet leaves.
Animal Homes and Weather
Animals build homes that protect them from weather:
Animal | Home Type | How It Helps in Weather
Bird | Nest in trees | Keeps babies safe from wind/rain
Fox | Den in ground | Stays warm in winter
Beaver | Lodge in water | Stays cool and safe
Ant | Ant hill | Keeps temperature steady
What is Hibernation?
Some animals sleep during the cold winter to save energy.
This is called hibernation.
Examples:
Bears hibernate in caves during winter.
Bats sleep in caves or hollow trees.
Hedgehogs curl up and sleep under leaves.
What is Migration?
Some animals travel long distances to find better weather, food, or places to lay eggs.
This is called migration.
Examples:
Birds fly south in winter to warmer places.
Whales swim to warm oceans to have babies.
Butterflies like the Monarch butterfly travel thousands of kilometers.
Animals and Daily Weather Changes
Animals also react to daily weather changes.
Examples:
Bees don’t fly in heavy rain.
Snails and earthworms come out after it rains.
Dogs may pant more in hot weather to stay cool.
Animals in Different Climates (Topic-wise Examples)
Desert Animals
Camel: Stores water, has long eyelashes to block sand.
Lizard: Sleeps during the hottest part of the day.
Rainforest Animals
Jaguar: Good swimmer, can live in wet areas.
Toucan: Bright colors help hide in trees.
Polar Animals
Seal: Thick blubber for warmth.
Arctic fox: White fur to hide in snow.
Mountain Animals
Yak: Thick coat and strong lungs.
Snow leopard: Large paws like snowshoes.
Seasonal Changes and Animals
Animals change behaviors with seasons.
Spring:
Birds build nests.
Butterflies come out.
Summer:
Insects are active.
Animals eat more.
Autumn:
Squirrels collect nuts.
Birds migrate.
Winter:
Bears hibernate.
Snow animals change color (like Arctic hare).
Fun Facts for Kids!
Owls have feathers that help them fly silently—even in windy weather!
Fish in Antarctica have special antifreeze in their blood!
Elephants use their ears like fans to stay cool.
Some desert lizards walk on two legs to keep their feet off the hot sand!
Activity Ideas for Kids
Weather Journal
Observe and write the weather each day and note which animals you see.
Animal Drawing
Draw an animal in the desert, forest, or snow and show how it adapts.
Match the Animal Game
Match animals with their climates: Camel → Desert, Penguin → Ice
Story Time
Create a short story about a bird migrating to a warmer place.
