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Environment Definition

The environment is where plants and animals live. Living things affect their surroundings.

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Living Things Change Their Environment

LESSON MATERIALSmove

Fun Facts

  • Beavers build dams that can flood areas of land.
  • Prairie dogs dig tunnels, changing the shape of the land.
  • Humans change the environment when they build houses.

Why Do We Need To Know About Environment

Humans have a big effect on the environment.  Learning about how animals and plants live with their surroundings shows us that everything in nature is connected.

People should keep the environment safe and healthy when we build things to meet our needs.  We must not harm the planet for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a prairie dog change its environment?
Prairie dogs dig tunnels underground. When they do this they move around a lot of dirt.
How are prairie dog burrows good for the environment?
The burrows can help grasses to grow by aerating the soil. They also help create homes for other animals when they move on to new areas.
How does a beaver change its environment?
Beavers build dams in rivers or streams and change the flow of the water. This can flood areas of land, which is a very big change to the environment.
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