Amazing Animals Author:Kate Boehm Jerome All animals belong to one of two major groups: vertebrates (with backbones) or invertebrates (without backbones.) Each species of animal lives in one of the many different kinds of habitats on Earth. Within these habitats, animals often compete for resources. Various adaptations help animals survive in their habitats.&nbs... more »p; Adaptations include behaviors, physiological functions, or structures that help animals meet their needs. Adaptations help animals survive long enough to reproduce. Because so many habitats are threatened by human behaviors, efforts are underway to preserve habitats and increase animal populations. Animals include orangutan, platypus, beetle, centipede, sponges, tree frog, parrot snake, basset hound, kingfisher, manta ray, tarantula, iguana, and many more.