How PLANTS and ANIMALS
survive the WINTER

winter

WINTER in CANADA


For the animals living anywhere in Canada, survival in winter can be difficult.

If there is not enough snow, many types of plants will die.

If there is too much snow then animals like the white-tailed deer will not be able to find enough food.

Plants and animals adapt to survive the cold winters.

Let's find out how plants and animals get ready for winter.

SNOW


Snow is important to the survival of many plants and animals.

Snow provides insulation. The temperature under a deep layer of snow will be much warmer than the air temperature.

This is why some plants are able to survive the cold.

Animals like mice and voles live under the snow and are protected from the freezing cold temperatures above the snow.

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HOW PLANTS SURVIVE THE WINTER


Plants need water, heat, light and food (minerals) in order to survive. Most plants cannot survive the winter because plants so not get enough water, heat, light and food. Some plants are able to shut down for the winter.

How PLANTS and TREES survive the cold.


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ANIMALS IN WINTER


Animals need food, shelter and water to survive the winter.

Some animals go into HIBERNATION

There are animals that SLEEP during the coldest times and animals that STORE FOOD for the winter .

There are birds and animals that MIGRATE to where they can find food.

Some BIRDS are able to stay here for the winter.

Many animals STAY ACTIVE all winter by growing a winter COAT or by living under the snow .

THE HUNTERS AND THE HUNTED - How wolves, coyotes, and deer survive the winter.





CANADIAN ANIMALS

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by J.Giannetta
jgiannet@hotmail.com
information from the Royal Saskatchewan Museum teacher's guide
Ready for Winter (1998) and Winter Whys (2006)
Regina, Saskatchewan

web page updated August 2011





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