What Built This

What Built This

Animal Builders Picture a home big enough to hold four hundred or a home made of nothing but paper. How about an underground tunnel with rooms to eat and sleep in? These are real, amazing structures, but the builders aren't human. Many animals build homes for themselves or their young. Some animals build to protect themselves or to catch prey, Some build to attract a mate.

Prairie Dog Towns Prairie dog burrows are like real towns. Their maze of underground tunnels has different rooms for sleeping, eating, and even going to the bathroom! Family groups stay together in separate areas or " neighborhoods" that include many entrances. Prairie dogs spend a lot of time building and fixing their homes.

Sociable Weaver Bird Nests The more the merrier for these friendly birds. They build the biggest nests of any birds-their nests can hold up to four hundred birds. They use large sticks and dry grass for the nest's roof and sides. Inside, separate living areas are lined with softer grasses and fibers.

Termite MMounds Tiny termites can build structures that are taller than three people standing on top of each other! They build their mounds from mud, chewed wood, and saliva. The walls have tiny holes for fresh air. The termite mounds even have a chimney and a cellar. The termites build many storage areas for wood, their main food source.

Pufferfish Circles These male fish create detailed sand art to attract females. They flap their fins on the seafloor to form a large round pattern. Then, they decorate the outer part of the circle with shells. If a female likes the circle, she lays her eggs in the middle.