Animal Classes for Kids: Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, Fish (Grade 4 Science)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Scientists sort animals with backbones into five big groups called classes. Today we will meet mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, and learn the clues for each one.

Mammals have hair or fur, and they breathe air with lungs. Most give birth to live babies, and mothers feed their young with milk. Dogs, whales, bats and people are all mammals.

Birds have feathers, wings and a beak. They breathe with lungs and lay eggs with hard shells. Most birds can fly, but some, like penguins and ostriches, cannot.

Reptiles have dry, scaly skin and breathe with lungs. Most lay eggs with leathery shells on land. Snakes, lizards, turtles and crocodiles are reptiles. They use the Sun to warm their bodies.

Amphibians have smooth, moist skin. Most begin life in water, breathing with gills, then grow lungs and live on land as adults. Frogs, toads and salamanders are all amphibians.

Fish live in water their whole lives. They breathe with gills, swim with fins, and most are covered in scales. Salmon, sharks and goldfish are all fish.

Now it's your turn. This animal has feathers and lays hard shelled eggs, but it cannot fly. Which class is it in? Pause and try. It is a bird! Feathers are the big clue, just like on a penguin.

Great job! Remember, mammals have fur, birds have feathers, reptiles have dry scales, amphibians have moist skin, and fish have gills and fins. Practice animal classes in the Science Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!