Life Cycles

All living things share basic characteristics: they grow, reproduce, respond to their environment, and need energy to survive. Plants make their own food through photosynthesis, while animals must eat other organisms.

Animals have different adaptations that help them survive. Camouflage helps animals blend in, sharp claws help predators catch prey, and thick fur keeps animals warm.

During metamorphosis, an organism changes its body form completely. A butterfly begins as an egg, becomes a caterpillar, forms a chrysalis, and finally emerges with wings.

Hibernation is a deep sleep that helps animals survive winter when food is scarce. During hibernation, an animal's heart rate and breathing slow down to save energy.

Plants have specialized structures: roots anchor the plant and absorb water, stems transport materials, leaves capture sunlight, and flowers produce seeds for reproduction.

The life cycle of a frog includes egg, tadpole, tadpole with legs, froglet, and adult frog. This process of metamorphosis takes several weeks to months depending on the species.

Animals can be classified as herbivores (plant eaters), carnivores (meat eaters), or omnivores (eating both plants and animals). Their teeth and digestive systems are adapted to their diet.