Science · Animals & plants
Baby animals
Match baby to grown-up.
Baby Animals Have Special Names
Many baby animals have different names from their parents. A baby cat is called a kitten. A baby dog is called a puppy. Learning these names helps us talk about animals.
Have a go
Try 3 sample questions
1. Which baby animal grows into a cat?
2. A duckling grows into which animal?
3. A puppy grows into which animal?
Babies Grow Into Adults
Baby animals grow bigger and change as they get older. A tiny kitten grows into a big cat. A fluffy chick grows into a chicken. The baby and adult are the same type of animal.
Look at How They Are Alike
Baby animals often look like their parents in special ways. A puppy has the same kind of nose as a dog. A lamb has wool just like a sheep. Look for clues to match them up.
Some Names Are Surprising
Some baby animal names might surprise you! A baby frog is a tadpole, and it looks very different. A baby butterfly is a caterpillar. They change a lot as they grow up.
Worked examples
1. Which baby grows into a cow?
- Think about what a baby cow is called.
- A baby cow is called a calf.
- So a calf grows into a cow.
2. A kitten will grow into which animal?
- A kitten is a baby cat.
- Baby animals grow into the same type of animal.
- A kitten grows into a cat.
3. What is the baby name for a duck?
- Think about baby ducks you might have seen.
- Baby ducks are small and fluffy and yellow.
- A baby duck is called a duckling.
Try it yourself
A lamb grows into which animal?