Facts about the animal kingdom

Gorgonians are types of coral which are found in the order Alcyonacea. This order is commonly known as soft corals, containing corals known as sea fans or sea whips. Rather than a distinct taxonomic category, gorgonian corals are an informally grouped subset of corals which are defined by their structure....

While they may look like underwater plants or rocks, corals are actually animals that build the ocean's largest living structures. These remarkable marine creatures, relatives of jellyfish and sea anemones, create complex ecosystems that support a quarter of all ocean life. From tropical reefs to deep ocean...

Tigers (Panthera tigris) are among nature's most studied predators, yet their hunting behavior continues to reveal new insights. These solitary hunters succeed through a combination of stealth, strength, and strategy rather than speed or group tactics. From the mangrove swamps of the Sundarbans to the taiga...

Gastropods represent the largest and most diverse class of mollusks, with over 65,000 living species documented across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments. From common garden snails to deep-sea slugs, these remarkable invertebrates have successfully adapted to nearly every habitat on Earth...

Deep beneath the ocean's surface, where sunlight can't reach, nature has evolved an extraordinary solution, fish that create their own light. These bioluminescent creatures illuminate the darkness through specialized light-producing organs called photophores, using them to hunt, communicate, and survive...

What do a moose, an eland, and a white-tailed deer have in common? Some are closely related, while others belong to different families but share physical traits. The order Artiodactyla includes a variety of even-toed ungulates, such as the deer family (Cervidae). However, other families in this order, like...

Seahorses are one of the most fascinating creatures in nature. Despite swimming upright and having a strange configuration of fins, these aquatic animals are a type of fish, similar to salmon or sharks. They are also well known for their characteristic reproductive behaviors where the female deposits the...

Picture yourself in a garden, spotting what looks like a venomous coral snake. But on closer inspection, it turns out to be a harmless milk snake. This phenomenon, called mimicry, is one of evolution's most ingenious survival tactics. In nature, organisms have evolved to imitate not just the appearance...

Cormorants are part of the Phalacrocoracidae family, a family of aquatic birds that also includes shags. Both are skilled underwater hunters, diving from above the water's surface to pinpoint the fish and other aquatic animals that make up their diet. They are social birds, living in colonies and even...

White cats are often associated with deafness, and while there's some truth to this idea, the situation is more complex. Not all white cats are deaf, and deafness isn't exclusive to white cats. However, certain white cats are indeed at a significantly higher risk of hearing loss, depending on their...

Bovines are animals of the subfamily Bovinae, under the larger taxonomic family Bovidae. Their categorization is important, especially to human civilizations. Throughout history, bovines have been integral in providing for sustenance, infrastructure, industry and many other aspects of human development....

When environmental conditions become challenging due to heat and drought, many animals have evolved a remarkable survival strategy called aestivation. This state of dormancy, while less well-known than hibernation, plays a crucial role in helping various species survive periods of environmental stress. From small...

Flying squirrels are a type of squirrel with unique adaptations to surviving in their environment. Squirrels can live in trees or on the ground, but flying squirrels are distinct for their ability to glide between trees. They are not a true flying mammal like the bat, but they have a membrane of skin between...

A common misconception about squids is that all their appendages are tentacles. Squids actually have only two tentacles and eight arms. This distinction, while seemingly minor, highlights a key aspect of their specialized hunting adaptations. Tentacles and arms have unique purposes, with distinct structures...

Gorillas are the largest primates on Earth. However, despite their impressive build, gorillas maintain their mass on a diet that consists mainly of plants. Only small insects like ants and termites add animal protein to their plant-based diet. Understanding what gorillas eat helps explain how they survive...

As aquatic mammals, dolphins do not have gills for breathing under water. Like their fellow cetaceans whales and porpoises, they have to breach the water to breath oxygen in their lungs. For this reason, they need to live in the upper part of the world's oceans, running out of oxygen if they swim too deep...

Whale life expectancy will differ according to species, but all are subject to similar threats in the wild. Size plays an important role, since smaller whales tend to be more vulnerable to predators. One threat which can reduce the whale lifespan of any species is human activity. Whale hunting is a direct...

Especially if you are a kid, telling the story of Santa Claus at Christmastime is one of the most evocate festive traditions. Father Christmas spending all year making presents, traveling across the whole world in a single night and bringing joy to all is a magical thought. Of course, any story where we...

Squirrels belong to the taxonomic family Sciuridae which includes about 286 species. These are grouped into three main types known as tree squirrels, ground squirrels and flying squirrels. These small mammals stand out for their agility, with even ground squirrels being very nimble when climbing or running. They...

Squids come in many shapes and sizes, from the Giant squid stretching 13 meters (43 feet) to the Pygmy squid barely reaching 2 centimeters (0.8 inches). These sea animals live in different parts of the ocean, each adapted to its own environment. Scientists keep learning new things about how squids live...

Seahorses, members of the genus Hippocampus, have evolved into 46 species, living across temperate and tropical waters worldwide. From mangroves to coral reefs, these fish share traits that help them survive in marine environments. Their upright swimming stance differs from other fish, as they move through...

Birds rest in ways that differ greatly from humans and other mammals. From sleeping with half their brain alert to balancing on one leg, their sleep habits have evolved to keep them safe while getting the rest they need. Each bird species has developed unique ways to sleep based on their environment and...

The Coccinellidae family, commonly known as ladybugs or ladybirds, includes over 6,000 species worldwide. These beetles have evolved diverse reproductive strategies that ensure their survival across varied environments. From their distinctive mating behaviors to their complex egg-laying patterns, ladybug...

During the holiday season, decorations can help bring cheer to the cold winter months. Some of us may have modest tastes, but making more elaborate and large-scale Christmas decorations is a growing trend. We may find them appealing, but they can also be irresistible to pets. Since many of the decorations are...

Geese are members of the Anatidae family, a family of aquatic birds that also contains ducks and swans. They are noted for their distinct v-formation flight pattern, something which is very useful for a migratory bird like the goose. There are many species, but the Canada goose (Branta canadensis) is particularly...

Do whales sleep? Yes, whales do sleep, but they sleep differently from humans and other land mammals. While you drift into a deep unconscious state during sleep, whales must stay partially alert to breathe and stay safe in the ocean. Most whales use a method called unihemispheric sleep, where one half...

The ocean is home to a great diversity of plants and animal life. Among this variety, we find whales. Whales are widely known because of their impressive size but, actually, they have lots of amazing qualities and are more similar to humans than you might expect. Not only do whales nurse their babies,...

Geese, from wild species navigating vast migration routes to domestic breeds living on farms, have evolved distinct characteristics over thousands of years. Wild geese maintain adaptations for survival in natural habitats, while their domestic relatives have developed traits suited to life alongside humans....

All animals will need to rest, usually in some form of sleep. How much an animal sleeps will depend on various factors. It may seem counter intuitive, but larger mammals tend to need less sleep than smaller ones. This depends on their diet, since carnivores generally sleep longer than herbivores. As...

Bats are unique in the animal kingdom as the only mammals that are capable of true flight. Another rare mammalian ability is the use of echolocation to orient themselves within their environment. This allows for precision hunting, especially since many are insectivores. The use of echolocation can help bats...

Also known as killer whales, orcas (Orcinus orca) are one of the world's most effective and versatile predators. Although they are marine mammals and cannot walk on land, they are even known to manipulate animals from terrestrial areas into the sea for hunting. Their great intelligence and hunting prowess...

In the world's coldest regions, from the Arctic tundra to Antarctic ice sheets and high mountain peaks, animals have developed remarkable ways to survive extreme conditions. Some change their coat colors with the seasons, others huddle in groups for warmth, and many have evolved specialized features like...

Cockroaches are among the most unwelcome pests, and getting rid of them can feel like an endless battle. But did you know that certain smells can naturally repel these resilient intruders? From common household ingredients to aromatic essential oils, these natural solutions are effective, safe, and chemical-free....

Sea turtles undertake vast oceanic migrations to reproduce, swimming up to 2,000 kilometers from feeding grounds to nesting beaches. Females emerge from the sea only to dig nests and lay eggs, following ancient nesting routes their species has used for millions of years. This complex process, from adult...

These gentle giants inhabit a variety of marine environments across the globe, from tropical coastal waters to the vast open ocean. These fish need specific conditions to thrive: temperatures above 20°C, abundant plankton for food, and clean waters for survival. Their choice of habitat shapes everything...

The horse's digestive system has evolved to process plant fiber continuously throughout the day. It transforms grass and hay into energy through a complex process that takes 36-72 hours. Understanding this system helps you prevent common health issues like colic and ulcers. It is so effective that horses...

Manta rays eat tiny sea life by filtering thousands of liters of water through their gills each hour. These massive fish, which can span up to 7 meters (circa 22ft) wide, live entirely on microscopic plankton and small marine creatures. Their diet sets them apart from other large ocean animals, as they...

Stingrays are a type of cartilaginous fish from the suborder Myliobatoidei. They are known for their flattened bodies which undulate through the water in a different way to most bony fish. As their name implies, they have a stinger on their tail which can be very dangerous. Despite all having a stinger,...

Ants are known for their incredible ability to source food and carry it long distances. If you have every seen one pick up some crumbs, you will have noticed they often seem to scurry about. Looking closely, you will see their antennae constantly moving to receive information from their environment....

A fish, genetically speaking, is a cold-blooded, aquatic vertebrate equipped with gills for breathing and fins for swimming. Over a period of thousands of years, these animals have become accustomed to many aquatic conditions, from shallows to darkness. Fish come in all shapes and sizes. In fact, fish...

When we think of small animals, we often expect short lifespans, but bats are an exceptional case. Many species of bats, despite their tiny size, can live remarkably long lives, sometimes reaching several decades. This longevity has fascinated scientists, leading to studies on why bats age so slowly...

A hummingbird nest fits on a quarter, yet keeps these tiny birds and their babies safe. You might spot one in your yard, garden, or local park - and knowing what to do next matters. By knowing how and where they nest, you can create a safe environment for them in your outdoor space. We’ll cover tips for...

Known scientifically as gulls, we commonly call the members of the bird family Laridae Seagulls. This is because they inhabit a variety of coastal environments, although not exclusively. They can also live near freshwater bodies of water, as long as they have their necessary resources at hand. They use these...

Bats usually avoid people, but they may bite if they feel scared, unwell, or are handled. While the risk of a bat bite is low, it’s good to know what to watch for and how to stay safe. Here, you’ll learn what to do if you encounter a bat, understand the risks of bites (like rabies), and get simple tips...

Bats have always been a bit of a mystery, often thought of as completely blind animals that rely only on their sharp hearing to get around in the dark. Phrases like “blind as a bat” make us believe they can’t see at all, but this isn’t true! Most bats can see, and some even have excellent night vision. This...

Despite being very differently shaped to most others, rays are a type of fish. Their flat body appears as if it is all fin, a morphology partially afforded by the fact they are cartilaginous. Having a boneless body with tough, but malleable cartilage allows them to move in a way other fish don't. While they...

Although stingrays are generally calm creatures, they do possess venomous barbs that contribute to their reputation for being dangerous. Encounters with stingrays are rarely fatal, but it's understandable to wonder about the risks of encountering them in open water. In this AnimalWised article, we examine...

As its name suggests, the Chihuahua Desert is located in Northern Mexico, but it is such a vast area that its geographical range extends into the United States. Although it is a desert, this vast range contributes to its rich biodiversity. In fact, it is one of the most biodiverse deserts in the world....

Web-footed birds, also known as aquatic birds, are a fascinating group of species perfectly adapted to life in or around water. From sleek swimmers like ducks and geese to graceful flyers like seagulls, these birds share a common feature: their webbed feet. This unique adaptation enables them to glide effortlessly...

Seagulls are a common sight along coastlines, gracefully soaring through the skies or scavenging for food. But have you ever wondered where these adaptable birds go when it's time to rest? Despite their constant activity during the day, seagulls exhibit unique sleep patterns and habits that enable them...