Learn about the different natural environments of plants and animals.

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2026 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

Desert Habitat Deserts are the driest places on Earth—they get fewer than 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain a year. Some deserts may get a lot of rain all at once. Then it might not rain again for …

Freshwater Habitat An alligator dozes on a log. A heron soars overhead and lands in the reeds a safe distance away. Sploop! A frog jumps into the water while insects buzz and chirp. This freshwater …

Grassland Habitat A herd of antelope moves slowly through the tall grass. Suddenly a cheetah leaps from its hiding place, and the animals zig and zag across the savanna. They make it to a small grove …

Polar Habitat It’s frigid and you’re surrounded by ice. You wonder how any animal could survive in this extreme cold. Then a polar bear and her cubs lumber by, and in the ocean behind them a whale …

Rainforest Habitat A beam of sunlight makes its way through the leaves and lights up the brightly colored wings of a macaw. An enormous butterfly flits from plant to plant. Monkeys shout and chatter …

The largest animal ever to live on Earth is an ocean mammal called the blue whale. It’s as long as two school buses! Dolphins, porpoises, and sea lions are also ocean-dwelling mammals. The ocean …

Puzzles: Habitats Using images from animal and plant habitats, these games challenge you to complete pictures by putting the pieces in the right spot. Plus, get facts about oceans, rainforests, and more!

A hungry bobcat crouches behind a bush, looking at the field beyond its leafy hideaway. Suddenly, a squirrel darts across the ground. As the squirrel draws near, the cat leaps from the bush and scoops …