Why Are Desert Tortoise Burrows Like Apartment Buildings?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why are desert tortoise burrows like apartment buildings?

The Big Idea

Desert tortoise burrows are like apartment buildings, because many animals move in! The burrow stays cool in summer and warm in winter, which is just right for a desert. Many guests share the same home, like neighbors in an apartment building.

Cozy Temperature

Step one: a cozy home. A tortoise burrow stays cool in summer and warm in winter. Its temperature is much steadier than the air outside, which swings from hot to cold.

Guests Arrive

Step two: guests arrive. Snakes, lizards, mice, owls, and insects move into the burrow for shade and shelter. Hundreds of kinds of animals have been found using them.

Neighborhood Helper

Step three: a neighborhood helper. When the tortoise digs, it ends up helping the whole neighborhood. Many guests share the same home.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The tortoise digs the burrow. A snake moves in for shade. A lizard rests in a cool corner. And an owl may nest near the entrance.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Tortoise burrows can stay close to the same temperature all year. Hundreds of kinds of animals have been found using them. A single burrow can be 10 feet long, about 3 meters, with room for a few guests. Never poke into burrows, because wild animals live there.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Draw a cutaway tortoise burrow with three different animals living in it. Give each one a name and a reason for being there. Share your drawing with someone at home! Share what you discover with a grown-up.

Outro

A tortoise burrow shelters many animals. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!