Animals make more animals
All animals can have young. Having young is called reproduction. When animals reproduce, there are more animals of the same kind. There are two main ways animals have young.
Laying eggs
Some animals lay eggs. The young grow inside the egg and then hatch out. Animals that lay eggs include hens, ducks, birds, fish, frogs, snakes and turtles.
Giving birth
Some animals do not lay eggs. They give birth to live young. The baby grows inside the mother's body first. Animals that give birth include cats, dogs, cows, goats, elephants and humans.
Example
A hen lays eggs, but a cat gives birth to kittens.
Remember
- Lay eggs: hen, bird, fish, frog.
- Give birth: cat, dog, cow, human.
Caring for the young
Many animal parents take care of their young. A hen keeps her eggs warm until they hatch. A cat feeds her kittens with milk and keeps them safe. Because animals reproduce, there will always be new young animals to take the place of the old ones. This is how each kind of animal keeps going year after year.