Fur, Feathers and Scales for Kids: Animal Coverings (Kindergarten and Grade 1 Science)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Look closely at animals and you will see they are covered in different ways. Some have fur, some have feathers and some have scales. Each covering helps the animal survive.

Fur is thick hair. Bears, foxes, rabbits and cats have fur. Fur traps warm air close to the body, like a cozy coat. Animals with fur or hair are called mammals.

Only birds have feathers. Fluffy feathers near the body keep birds warm. Long, strong feathers on the wings help most birds fly. Many feathers also help keep birds dry in the rain.

Fish and most reptiles have scales. Scales are small, hard plates that overlap like roof tiles. They protect the body. Snakes, lizards and turtles have scales, and so do salmon and goldfish.

Frogs and salamanders are amphibians. They have smooth, wet skin with no fur, feathers or scales. Their skin must stay moist, so they live near water or in damp places.

Coverings can also help animals hide. A white polar bear blends in with the snow. A brown sparrow blends in with dry grass. Hiding helps them stay safe or sneak up on food.

Now it's your turn. A penguin has a waterproof coat that keeps it warm and dry. Is it fur, feathers or scales? Pause and try. Feathers! Penguins are birds, even though they cannot fly.

Great job! Remember, mammals have fur, birds have feathers, fish and reptiles have scales, and frogs have smooth skin. Practice animal coverings in the Science Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!