What are essential survival needs? Objective To understand how living and non-living things interact and change in a forest community. To identify the basic survival needs shared by people and all other animals—plants, food, water, shelter, and space. Background Have the students identify five basic survival needs shared by people and all other animals: plants, sunlight, water, soil and air. Students will list and organize needs of people, pets and wildlife. Tell the students that all animals (including people, pets, and wildlife) need food, water, shelter and space in which to live. These mus Duration: 30 Minutes.