In this vocabulary lesson, we will learn the names of animals in English with the help of pictures. Next time, when you see them, you will know what to call them. By the end of the lesson, you will know how to name, wild animals, pets, farm animals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Below is a list of 100+ animals with their names in English.
1. Names of animals in English and their subclasses
Names of wild animals
Wild animals are non-domestic animals that live in their natural habitats such as forests, jungles, savannas, and mountains. They play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Predators, like tigers and wolves, help control the populations of herbivores, preventing overgrazing and preserving vegetation. Herbivores, like deer and zebras, contribute to plant diversity by feeding on various flora, enabling new growth. Scavengers, such as hyenas and vultures, play a vital role by consuming dead animals, and reducing the spread of disease. Even small animals like insects and rodents impact ecosystems by dispersing seeds and creating habitats that support biodiversity.
In addition to their ecological roles, wild animals inspire scientific discovery and cultural significance. Their behaviours, resilience, and adaptations offer insights into evolutionary biology, while their majestic presence reminds us of the nature’s beauty and complexity. Protecting wild animals and their habitats is crucial for preserving the intricate web of life that sustains our planet. Wild animals range from large mammals like lions, elephants, and bears to smaller creatures such as monkeys, foxes, and wildcats. Each species has unique survival strategies, hunting methods, and social structures in order to adapt to its specific environment. Below is a comprehensive list of names of wild animals in English.
Names of insects
Insects are the most numerous and diverse group of animals on Earth. They inhabit nearly every environment, from icy mountains to scorching deserts, and collectively outnumber humans by 1.4 billion to one, with a combined weight that vastly surpasses that of humanity. Remarkably, insects make up 90% of animal species and have existed for over 350 million years, predating dinosaurs and flowering plants. Coleoptera (beetles) holds the record for the largest known order of insects, followed by Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Diptera (true flies), and Hymenoptera, the group that includes ants, bees, and wasps. Below, you’ll find the names of insects across various species and types.
Names of pet animals
Pets are animals kept primarily for companionship, amusement, or emotional support rather than for work or economic purposes. Common pets include dogs, cats, birds, fish, and small mammals like rabbits or hamsters. People often form close bonds with their pets, which can bring joy, comfort, and reduce stress. Pets are generally domesticated or selectively bred to adapt to human environments, making them friendly and comfortable living alongside people. The list below contain common names of pet animals.
Names of farm animals
Farm animals are domesticated animals raised primarily for agricultural purposes, such as producing food, clothing, labor, or other resources. Common farm animals include cows, chickens, pigs, sheep, and goats. Farm animals are typically kept on farms, where they are cared for and managed by farmers to meet the needs of food production and other agricultural demands. They play a vital role in sustaining rural economies and providing resources for people worldwide. In the list below, you will learn the names of farm animals in English.
Names of marine animals
Marine animals are creatures that live in the sea and include various types like cephalopods, crustaceans, shellfish, corals, invertebrates, fish, mammals, seabirds, sharks, rays, and turtles. Cephalopods, such as octopuses and squids, are intelligent molluscs with tentacles. Crustaceans, like crabs and shrimp, have hard shells and segmented bodies. Shellfish, including clams and oysters, are also popular seafood. Corals are invertebrates that form reefs, while other invertebrates include jellyfish and starfish. Fish breathe using gills and come in three main types: bony, cartilaginous, and jawless. Marine mammals, like whales and seals, are warm-blooded and nurse their young. Seabirds feed from the ocean and nest on land. Sharks and rays have flexible skeletons made of cartilage, while turtles are cold-blooded reptiles that lay their eggs on beaches. Together, these animals play essential roles in ocean ecosystems. The list below contains the names of marine animals in English.
Names of birds
Birds are warm-blooded animals that have feathers, wings, and beaks. They lay eggs and most can fly, although some, like ostriches and penguins, cannot. Birds are found all over the world, from forests to deserts and even in cities. They eat different kinds of food, including seeds, insects, and small animals. Birds communicate with each other using songs and calls, and they play an important role in nature by helping to spread seeds and control insect populations. Here is a list of bird names in English.
Names of reptiles
Reptiles are animals that have backbones and are cold-blooded. They usually have dry skin covered in scales. Reptiles lay eggs, and many live on land, although some can be found in water. Common examples of reptiles include snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles. Unlike mammals, reptiles do not have fur or hair, and they need warm temperatures to stay active. The list below contains different names of reptiles in English.
2. Endangered species
Endangered species are animals and plants that are at risk of extinction due to various factors, including habitat loss, climate change, poaching, and pollution. Protecting these species is essential for maintaining biodiversity and the health of ecosystems. Here’s an overview of different categories of endangered species:
2.1. Critically endangered animals
Critically endangered species face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. These animals often have very small populations or limited ranges, making them particularly vulnerable to threats. Examples of critically endangered animals include:
- Sumatran orangutan: Habitat destruction due to logging and palm oil plantations has severely impacted their populations.
- Vaquita: This small porpoise, found in the Gulf of California, is on the brink of extinction, with estimates suggesting fewer than 30 individuals remain due to illegal fishing practices.
- Javan rhino: With only around 80 individuals left, the Javan rhino is confined to a single national park in Indonesia, making it susceptible to disease and habitat loss.
2.2. Vulnerable animals
Vulnerable species are not currently facing an immediate threat of extinction but are at risk if the factors contributing to their decline are not addressed. These animals typically have declining populations and may experience habitat loss or hunting pressures. Some examples include:
- African elephant: While still numerous, African elephants face threats from poaching for ivory and habitat loss due to human expansion.
- Polar bear: As climate change impacts their sea ice habitat, polar bears are becoming increasingly vulnerable, relying on diminishing ice to hunt seals.
- Bengal tiger: With habitat destruction and poaching for their fur, the Bengal tiger is classified as vulnerable, although conservation efforts are underway to protect their habitats.
2.3. Extinct animals
Extinct animals are those that no longer exist, primarily due to human activities. Understanding extinct species can help highlight the importance of conservation efforts for currently endangered species. Some notable examples include:
- Woolly mammoth: Once roamed the Earth during the Ice Age, woolly mammoths went extinct due to a combination of climate change and overhunting by early humans.
- Dodo: The dodo, a flightless bird native to Mauritius, was driven to extinction in the 17th century by hunting and the introduction of non-native species.
- Passenger pigeon: Once abundant in North America, the passenger pigeon became extinct in the early 20th century due to intense hunting and habitat destruction.