Have you ever wondered how humans have transformed places like New York City? It used to be a lush green area filled with animals like beavers and elk. Now, it’s a bustling city with roads, buildings, and delicious pizza. Humans have made big changes to their environment, but did you know that animals do the same thing? Let’s explore how animals change their surroundings, just like we do.
Take a look at prairie dogs. These little creatures are amazing builders. They dig burrows that are like their homes. These burrows aren’t just random holes; they’re carefully designed to help prairie dogs survive. The entrance goes deep into the ground, and there are tunnels and rooms for storing food, sleeping, and even a bathroom! By moving all that dirt, prairie dogs change the landscape, creating a network of tunnels underground.
Termites are another example of animal engineers. They build huge mounds that can be over three meters tall. These mounds are made from chewed wood, mud, and even poop. Unlike prairie dogs, termites add to their environment by building up instead of digging down.
Some animals change their environment without even trying. Gray squirrels love nuts and often bury them to save for later. But they sometimes forget where they buried them. Those forgotten nuts can grow into new trees, changing the landscape over time.
Remember the beavers that once lived in New York? They’re like furry engineers! Beavers cut down trees and use them to build dams in rivers. These dams create ponds, turning fields and forests into wetlands. This new habitat allows different animals, like fish and amphibians, to move in. By building dams, beavers create an entirely new ecosystem.
So, while humans make big changes to places like New York City, animals are also busy changing their environments. Whether it’s prairie dogs, termites, squirrels, or beavers, all living things have an impact on the world around them. We’re all part of nature, and together, we shape the planet we live on. But remember, New York-style pizza? That’s something only humans can create!
Build Your Own Animal Habitat: Gather some materials like clay, sticks, leaves, and small rocks. Try to build a small model of an animal habitat. You can create a prairie dog burrow, a termite mound, or a beaver dam. Think about how each animal uses its habitat to live and survive. What special features will you include in your model to help the animal? Share your creation with a friend or family member and explain how your animal changes its environment.
Squirrel Nut Hunt: Pretend you are a squirrel and hide some small objects (like acorns or small toys) in your backyard or a park. After a while, try to find them again. Did you remember where you hid everything? Imagine if you forgot some of them, just like squirrels do. Discuss with a friend or family member how these forgotten objects could change the environment, just like how forgotten nuts can grow into trees.
Observe and Report: Go on a nature walk with a notebook and pencil. Look for signs of animals changing their environment. Can you find a bird’s nest, a beaver dam, or a squirrel’s buried nuts? Draw or write about what you see. How do you think these changes affect other animals and plants in the area? Share your findings with your class or family and discuss how both animals and humans shape the world around us.
