They break down dead plants and animals, turning them back into water, carbon dioxide, and minerals. These materials are released into the soil or air and used by green plants to make food. Animals also must have water to live. Muskrats eat water plants and use them for building houses. Desert lizards get all the moisture they need from plant leaves or stems.
Some animals hide underground.
Others hide in trees. Some hang from the rafters. Animals also need space to grow, play, find food, and mate. Many animals need more than one type of habitat to survive. Grizzly bears use dense forests for cover and open areas for gathering berries.