Effects on Animals

Herbivores like cows, goats, and certain insects depend on plants for food while carnivores such as tigers, lions, and snakes prey and feed on herbivores. In this way animals indirectly feel the need for sunlight.

In a more direct way, sunlight affects animals by providing them with the warmth they need, allowing them to sustain their daily survival. Animals that migrate to other places or go into hibernation during the winter months sense the return of more sunlight in their habitats and welcome it by coming back or by coming out of hibernation to breed, hunt or forage for food, and just generally be more active.

Sunlight is a great source of vitamin D, which animals need to form strong bones. A lack of this vitamin can cause animal bones to become brittle and weak.