Imagine the different kinds of animals that can seamlessly transition between land and water. These remarkable creatures, popularly known as amphibians, can easily navigate both land and aquatic life.
Interestingly, these animals can breathe using their skin in water and their lungs on land. These species show incredible adaptability to nature. From powerful crocodiles to playful frogs, amphibians are experts at making the most of both realms.
This ability to survive in two different habitats makes amphibians unique from the other animals. Thus, many top schools for kindergarten, engage the young learners to learn about different types of amphibians.
Are you also excited to explore the animals that can survive on land and water? Let us explore some interesting fun facts about animals.
List of Animals that Live on Land and Water
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Mugger Crocodile:
The mugger crocodile usually lives in marshy areas. They are medium-sized, having broad snouts to get the name mugger. Interestingly, they not only survive in lakes and rivers but also in artificial ponds. They are mostly around the riverbanks to use the sun to regulate their body temperature.
In water, they are powerful swimmers by using their strong tails to propel them through rivers, lakes, and marshes. While on land, they are less agile but can quickly move in short bursts. Mostly found in the areas of South Asia, the mugger crocodile eats fish, birds, snakes, turtles, birds and mammals.
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American Alligator:
They were found in large areas of the southern United States; however, now they are also found in smaller areas. They are primarily aquatic but often lay eggs and bask in the sun, especially in the warmer months. They use their bellies when they go into the water to be powerful swimmers.
It is fun to know that the American alligator can run up to 10 miles per hour for short distances. These are among the species that are good at walking on land and swimming in water. They eat fish, birds, and small mammals to help in maintaining balance in the population of other species.
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Beavers:
Are there any animals that live on land and water and are also cute? Yes, they are beavers!
They are found in abundance in North America except California and parts of Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. Beavers love to swell in lakes, ponds, rivers, and marshes; however, on land, they forage for food and materials for their constructions.
They are exclusively herbivorous and their diet includes leaves, aquatic plants, leaves, etc. They create such a habitat where diverse biological communities can easily be found. Beavers are excellent swimmers with a thick and waterproof coat to keep them warm in cold water.
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Spotted Turtles:
The next in the list of animals that live on water and land are spotted turtles. They are pretty black and yellow turtles found mainly in North America. They prefer to stay in shallow water and are found in wetlands, ponds, muddy bottoms, etc. Spotted turtles can swim pretty well and are also comfortable on land as well.
Their diet mainly includes fish, invertebrates, and water plants. While they can move on land, they quickly move back into the water if they are scared or are in danger. They are well-adapted to varying conditions for their survival.
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Crabs:
Do you know crabs are crustaceans and semi-aquatic with a shell? They are highly adaptable to live both on land and water to be found in tropical and subtropical regions. They are efficient swimmers in water as they move along the seabed to search for food.
Crabs have a pair of pincers on their front to protect them against predators and to look for food on land. It is so interesting to know that they can survive without water for a couple of days on land. If it gets any longer than this, they might perish.
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Two-Lined Salamanders:
They are mostly found in the eastern United States. They primarily prefer moist environments like streams, rivers, and marshes but also seek shelter under rocks and logs. They are excellent swimmers and rely on the aquatic habitats for breeding.
You will be surprised to know that they don’t have lungs. The young ones breathe using their gills in water and the adults breathe through their moist skin. They are slow movers on land and quickly go back into the water if they feel threatened. Their moist skin also helps them to absorb oxygen and water; however, they are sensitive to environmental changes.
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Frogs:
Soon after the preschool admissions, the young learners are attracted to fun facts and engaging visuals of frogs. Not many people know that there are over 5000 known species of frogs on this planet. They exist in different colours while some can even glow in the dark. Isn’t it cool?
Mostly found in ponds and swamps; they also hang on trees in rainforests. Though they love water, they are not very good swimmers. They use their webbed feet to finely just paddle along. They enjoy a meal of spiders, insects, and small fishes.
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Penguins:
Penguins are unique species that are primarily known for their ability to live in cold and aquatic environments. However, they spend a significant amount on land as well. They can be in Angola, Antarctica, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, South Africa, Namibia and Argentina.
They are also known for their unique way of walking on land, swimming skills, and friendly behaviour towards humans. Penguins rely on both land and water for feeding and reproduction. They have abundant food sources like fish, krill, etc. while they use a safe space on land for nesting and raising their young ones.
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Ducks:
The next name in the ocean animals list is none other than ducks. They are versatile to easily live on land and water as they belong to the Anseriformes, which are waterfowl. Ducks are highly adaptable to aquatic environments, using their webbed feet to paddle through lakes, rivers, and ponds.
It is fascinating to know that ducks have waterproof feathers to keep them dry while swimming. While they are mainly associated with water, they are equally home on land. They move to land in search of food like plants, insects, etc., and to lay eggs.
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Hippopotamus:
They are mammals, just like us; but can live on both land and water. Yes, it is true!
These large animals are semi-aquatic and are also found in the regions of Africa. You will also love to know that they are the third largest land mammal on the Earth.
They spend much of their time in the water but they are also highly adaptable to life on the land. They have hairless powerful bodies and can weigh up to 1300 to 1500 kgs on average. It is their dense skin that keeps them submerged in water for extended periods.
Conclusion
The different types of animals that can live on both water and land show the incredible versatility of nature. Isn’t nature truly amazing in how it supports the survival of these species in such beautiful ways?
Vikaasa introduces these animals to the young learners in its Cambridge international curriculum to learn the values of respect and empathy. Children are encouraged with various opportunities to explore and engage with nature. They are nurtured to become responsible learners by developing compassion towards preserving these amazing species and creatures.
