Essay On Animals
500+ Words Essay On Animals, The Different Animal Species And Their Importance
The planet we live on is home to both humans and animals. An animal is a living creature, which is part of a group of multicellular eukaryotic organisms. These organisms have special sense organs and nervous systems and are capable of locomotion and reproduction. All animals breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide and with the exception of a few, most animals consume organic matter.
Animals are very important for the environment. We need them for several things from companionship to food and even balancing the ecosystem. There are several species of animals in the world and they live on land and water. Each of these animals has a unique place in the environment and are crucial to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. And each of them has a purpose for their existence. The study of animals is called biology.
In this essay on animals, you’ll learn about the different species of animals and how they’re classified. This essay on animals also talks about the importance of animals.
Essay On Animals: The Different Species Of Animals
Animals are divided into different groups or species in Biology. It is estimated that the world has over 7 million species of animals. According to biology, animals can be classified into two groups, vertebrates and invertebrates.
Vertebrates
All animals that have a backbone are called vertebrates. Vertebrates can be further classified into 5 groups, mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles.
- Mammals: These are warm-blooded animals that have hair or fur and vertebrates (a backbone). Most mammals give birth to their young ones and produce milk to feed and nourish their young ones. Some examples of mammals are human beings, cats, dogs, cows, lions, dolphins, whales etc.
- Birds: Birds are warm-blooded animals with feathers, wings and a light skeleton, which helps them fly. But, some birds like ostriches, penguins, emus, kiwis, cassowary etc cannot fly. Birds lay eggs and hatch them to give birth to their young ones. Some examples of birds are crows, ducks, swans, geese, chickens, pigeons, peacocks etc.
- Fish: Fish are cold blooded vertebrates that live in water. They have fins and scales that help them swim in the water. Like birds, fish also lay eggs to reproduce. Some examples of fish are sharks, clownfish, salmon, eels, seahorses etc.
- Amphibians: Amphibians are vertebrates that live on both land and water. These cold blooded animals need a moist environment to survive. They breathe through their skin by absorbing water. Like birds and fish, amphibians also reproduce by laying eggs. Some examples of amphibians are frogs, toads, salamanders, etc
- Reptiles: Reptiles are cold blooded animals with a backbone and live on land and water. Their skin is covered with scales or bony plates. Reptiles give birth to their young ones by laying eggs. Some examples of reptiles are snakes, lizards, geckos, crocodiles, turtles etc.
Invertebrates
Invertebrates are animals, which do not have a backbone. About 95% of the animal kingdom is made up of invertebrates, which are mostly insects. The eight different types of invertebrates, which can be found today are: annelida, arthropoda, cnidaria, echinodermata, mollusca, nematoda, platyhelminthes and porifera. Some examples of invertebrates are mosquitoes, spiders, earthworm, jellyfish, snails, squid, bees etc.
Classifying Animals Based On Food
Like us humans, animals also need food to survive. Animals can be further classified into 3 kinds based on what they eat.
- Carnivores: Animals that eat the meat of other animals to survive are called carnivores or carnivorous animals. For example tigers, lions, hyenas, sharks, hawks, eagles etc.
- Herbivores: These animals eat only plants, their leaves, fruits and vegetables. Some examples of herbivorous animals are cows, horses, elephants, deer, rabbits, butterflies, silkworms etc.
- Omnivores: Animals, which eat both plants and animals are called omnivorous animals. Some examples of omnivores are human beings, wolves, raccoons, bears, dogs, rats, skunks etc.
Also explore: Read some more essay on animals with Essay on Cat, Essay On Dog and Essay On Tiger.
Essay On Animals: The Importance Of Animals
Animals are important for the environment and even our lives. They serve as our companions, our eyes and ears, our workers and even provide us with food. They are extremely vital to maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem.
- Animals for transportation: Since early ages, humans have used animals for transportation. Horses, camels, oxen and donkeys have pulled carts and aided in transportation for a long time. Even in today’s modern world, animals are used for transportation in some countries.
- Animals as companions: Domestic animals and pets like dogs, cats, pigs etc have served as loyal companions to humans for centuries. These days, animals like service dogs serve as help for visually impaired people, emotional support for people with special needs etc.
- Animals for food: Humans have consumed animals and animal products like meat, fish, poultry, milk, cheese etc for ages.
- Animals as workers: We humans often use animals for tasks like guarding, farming, hunting and protecting. For example, guard dogs, oxen for farming, hunting dogs etc.
- A balanced ecosystem: Each animal in the world has a unique place in the food chain and contributes to the ecosystem in their own way. For example, bees and birds help in pollination. Carnivorous animals keep the population of other animals in check. They are also necessary for contributing to the carbon and nitrogen cycle and decomposition.
Humans and animals have to learn to coexist. A healthy ecosystem is dependent on relationships between different organisms, food webs and food chains. Protecting animals is important because it could have disastrous consequences on our ecosystem. Additionally, they have an equal right to survive in this world just as much as humans.
We hope you found this essay on animals interesting and helpful. Check Osmo’s essays for kids to explore more essays on a wide variety of topics.
Frequently Asked Questions On Animals
What are animals?
Animals are multicellular, eukaryotic organisms that have special sense organs and nervous systems. They breathe in oxygen, consume organic matter and are capable of reproduction and locomotion.
How are animals classified?
Animals are classified into two main types: vertebrates and invertebrates. Vertebrates are animals with fur and a backbone. These vertebrates can be further classified into mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Invertebrates are animals that don’t have a backbone. 95% of the animals in the animal kingdom are invertebrates.
How are animals important for humans?
Animals are extremely important for us humans. We use them for food, transportation, companionship, as workers, for medicine etc. They are also important to maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem.