Facts about the animal kingdom

Crepuscular animals are those that are most active during the twilight periods of dusk and dawn. This is a period of low light where the sun has not set, but is below the horizon. Animals will adapt to their environment in many ways. Crepuscular animals have their own adaptations which make them better...

Fireflies are able to light up due to bioluminescence, a production of light from a biochemical reaction. Although many marine animals and even some plants have bioluminescent abilities, only a relative few terrestrial animals have the ability to emit light in this way. Most of these animals are arthropods...

Falcons are a bird of prey, a group of carnivorous birds which include different families all known as raptors. These birds share various similarities, many of which are adaptations which allow them to be such agile predators. These are traits which all the different types of falcons possess, but even within this...

Donkeys, with their endearing appearance and fascinating history, have been faithful companions to humans for millennia. These sturdy equines, descendants of the African wild ass, have played a crucial role in our agricultural and transportation systems. But have you ever wondered about the lifespan of...

The mythological animals from ancient Greece have permeated cultures worldwide, remaining as legends long after their origins have been forgotten. While mythological creatures from many cultures still influence modern thought, those from ancient Greece are particularly resonant. This is partly due to the Greek...

Worms are neither insects nor amphibians, but it is easy to understand why many confuse them as such. Worms have a slimy body and can often be seen in wet soils, just like amphibians. They can also be described as ‘creepy crawlies’, a term used to describe all kinds of insects. Since they have similar...

In the mesmerizing world of the animal kingdom, every creature holds its unique place, characterized by a distinct set of features and evolutionary traits. Among these captivating organisms is the snail, a creature that has intrigued and captivated curious minds for centuries. However, a fundamental question...

Ostriches are known for their impressive size, speed, and unique adaptations that make them well-suited for life on land. One of these adaptations is their wings, which are relatively small compared to their massive bodies and are not used for flight. This raises the question: why do ostriches have wings if...

The lion (Panthera leo), belonging to the felid family and one of the five species of the Panthera genus, stands as the largest representative alongside the tiger. Its habitat spans sub-Saharan Africa and northwest India, where it thrives in diverse landscapes such as savannahs, grasslands, and wooded...

Herbivorous mammals are those which do not eat animal protein to survive, essentially only eating organisms that use photosynthesis to feed. Despite this common characteristic, the biodiversity of different types of herbivorous animals is great. They range from some of the largest land animals in the...

Otters, those fascinating and lovable creatures of the water, have captured the hearts of many nature enthusiasts. They belong to the Mustelidae family, which includes various species like sea otters, river otters, and giant otters. As semi-aquatic mammals, otters have successfully adapted to their watery...

Oceanic food chains contain some of the largest organisms in the world, such as whales, feeding on some of the smallest organisms, such as phytoplankton. We know this thanks to the great work of many marine biologists, but the difficulties in exploring the depths of the ocean mean our understanding is still very...

The raccoon (Procyon lotor) stands out as a truly remarkable creature in the animal kingdom, exhibiting exceptional adaptability and resourcefulness. With their iconic mask-like facial markings and remarkable agility, these small mammals have managed to thrive in a variety of habitats, ranging from urban areas...

The tenrec is an animal which is endemic to the island nation of Madagascar. Africa's largest island, Madagascar is uniquely fascinating in terms of flora and fauna thanks to a relatively closed ecosystem. It is thanks to animals such as the tenrec that we can better understand evolution and adaptation...

Bedbugs, ticks, and fleas are three common insects that can infest your home and pets. While these pests may share some similarities, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Understanding the differences between bedbugs, ticks, and fleas is important in identifying the source of the problem...

Equines are a fascinating and diverse group of mammals that have played a significant role in human history and continue to do so today. From the majestic horses used for transportation, sport, and work, to the hardy donkeys and mules used for farming and packing, equines have been an essential part of...

Also known as diurnal birds of prey, diurnal raptors are a large group of animals belonging to the order Falconiformes. This order is made up of more than 309 species. They differ from the nocturnal raptors that belong to the order Strigiformes due to their diurnal habits, but this is not the only difference....

Whales are a group of marine mammals that have captured the fascination of humans for centuries. These magnificent creatures come in a variety of sizes, ranging from the small, toothed dolphins to the massive blue whale, which is the largest animal on Earth. However, despite their popularity, there is...

Scavenger animals are those that feed on carrion, i.e. the dead and decomposing bodies of other animals. Food chains are linear structures where one animal preys on another, which preys on another and so on. It is important to remember that food chains are a part of food webs, much more complicated networks...

Octopuses are members of the molluscan phylum, class Cephalopoda, and the order Octopoda. What makes them particularly interesting is that they possess unique characteristics that set them apart not only from other invertebrates, but also from other mollusks. Their remarkable abilities have captured the...

Cockroaches are a group of insects that belong to the order Blattodea, an order which also contains termites. They are particularly well distributed in tropical and temperate climates since they like warmth and humidity, but they have an almost global distribution. In fact, they are famous for being able to...

Axolotls are fascinating aquatic creatures that have become increasingly popular as pets in recent years. As amphibians, they are uniquely adapted to life in water and depend on it for survival. However, many pet owners wonder if it is safe to take their axolotls out of the water, either for cleaning or handling....

The difference between a fawn and a doe deer is to do with age and sex, not with breed. Different types of deer live in different regions, but we use the same terminology for the ages and sex of all true deer species. Many people want to know the difference between the two for hunting purposes, but this...

How a mollusk reproduces varies greatly since there are many different types of mollusks in nature. Their reproductive strategies depend on various factors, including their individual morphology, environment, climate and many others. Despite such variety in how mollusks reproduce, almost all do so through...

Sheep are a type of domestic animal that have been bred and raised by humans for thousands of years. They are prized for their wool, meat, and milk and are found in many regions of the world. There are numerous breeds of sheep, each with their own unique characteristics and traits. One of the most important...

Some of the most venomous mammals in the world include the platypus, skunk, slow loris and the Cuban solenodon, animals we may think of as being more cute than deadly. We often associate the ability to produce venom with animals such as snakes, scorpions and spiders. Predatory mammals tend to have other...

An octopus is a type of cephalopod, a class of marine animals that also includes squid, cuttlefish, and nautilus. Octopuses are fascinating creatures that have captured the imagination of humans for centuries. From their ability to change color and shape to their impressive intelligence, these creatures...

The danger catfish pose to humans depends on the individual species, something which varies greatly. This is partly due to the vast amount of different catfish species we can find. All within the order Siluriformes, there are around 36 families of catfish containing over 3,000 individual catfish species....

Have you ever wondered how birds are able to digest their food, given their unique anatomy and physiology? Understanding the digestive system of birds is essential for bird owners and lovers, as it can affect their health and well-being. Unlike mammals, birds lack teeth and a separate stomach for breaking...

Antlers are one of the most distinctive features of male deer and play an important role in the survival and reproduction of the animal. However, many people are unaware that these impressive structures are not permanent, and that male deer shed their antlers every year. This natural process, known as antler...

Kangaroos are a marsupial species native to Australia. They are known for their characteristic hopping gait, powerful legs, and pouches in which they carry and protect their young. In fact, kangaroos have become a symbol of Australia and are an important part of Australian culture and identity. What many...

Birds are among the most fascinating creatures on our planet, and their nesting behavior is both complex and diverse. Nesting is an essential part of a bird's life cycle, providing a safe and secure place for them to lay their eggs, incubate them, and raise their young until they can fend for themselves....

Eagles are one of the most famous and admired bird species in the world. They are known for their impressive hunting skills, sharp eyesight and powerful wings. These majestic birds of prey can be found on almost every continent on Earth, from the cold Arctic tundra to the arid savannas of Africa. Despite...

Frogs are amphibians, types of vertebrate animals in nature which have the ability to live between water and land. Frogs are perhaps the most emblematic of these animals, but there is also great diversity among the many frog species we can find. All of them have certain physical and behavioral characteristics...

Reptiles are a diverse group of vertebrates, with almost 12,000 individual species currently falling under this categorization. With such diversity, you may not be surprised to know reptiles differ in various ways, including physical characteristics, behaviors, habitat and diet. Many of these factors influence...

Tigers are majestic creatures that have captured our imagination for centuries. From their impressive physical abilities to their unique behaviors and adaptations, there is no shortage of interesting facts about tigers. In the following AnimalWised article, you'll learn some fascinating and little-known facts...

Ladybugs, also known as ladybugs or lady beetles, are a type of beetle belonging to the Coccinellidae family. They are widely known for their small, round, brightly colored bodies and the black spots on their backs. They have a relatively short lifespan compared to other insects, but this can vary depending...

The pink dolphin, also known as the Amazon dolphin or boto, is a species of freshwater dolphin known for its characteristic pink coloration, which comes from capillaries near the surface of the skin. As its name suggests, the pink dolphin is found mainly in the Amazon River. It is the largest species...

Geckos are small lizards from the infraorder Gekkota. Within this infraorder are 7 families, around 125 genera and many more individual species. While these lizards all share certain characteristics, their diversity in appearance is incredible. Some are dull in color, allowing them to camouflage against...

The monarch butterfly is a fascinating insect that is famous for its remarkable migration. Every year, millions of monarchs make an incredible journey that can take them thousands of miles, from their breeding grounds in North America to their wintering grounds in Mexico. The migration of monarch butterflies...

Birds are some of the most fascinating organisms in the animal kingdom. Although they are not the only animal to fly, their ability to do so allows for unique migratory behaviors and other impressive abilities. They also have a diversity and beauty in their appearance which has inspired naturalists since...

The biodiversity of animal species on our planet is great, as evidenced by the many different types of birds we can see. Their differences can be seen in their plumage, diet, vocal sounds and many other physical characteristics and behavioral traits. Size is also an important differentiator, as is the...

Cats are known to love to sleep. They often sleep for hours during the day. In fact, it is not uncommon for a cat to sleep up to 16 hours a day, with some cats sleeping even more. Although this may seem excessive to some, this is completely normal behavior for cats. Even though it is normal for cats...

The elephant is one of the largest and most intelligent animals on our planet. They are known for their extraordinary memory, empathy, and sophisticated social structures. One of the most fascinating aspects of their behavior is their communication skills. Elephants have a remarkable ability to communicate complex...

Echinoderms are a diverse group of marine animals belonging to the phylum Echinodermata. They are characterized by their radial symmetry, that is, their bodies are arranged in a symmetrical pattern about a central axis. Echinoderms are found in all oceans of the world, from shallow coastal waters to the...

Sheep are one of the first animals to be domesticated by humans. This is thanks to their usefulness in providing milk, meat and textiles to various ancient civilizations, as well as their relatively docile nature. Sheep are also known as ovine animals belonging to the genus Ovis. The sheep with which...

Penguins are widely known for their distinctive black and white plumage, upright posture, and waddling gait. In addition to their unique appearance, however, penguins also exhibit a variety of interesting behaviors. Penguins are very social and live in large colonies, sometimes numbering in the millions. They...

When in natural light, we can look into our dog's eyes and see the deep coloration. Although a dog's eyes can be a range of colors, they are all patterned delicately and do not have any natural bioluminescence. For this reason, it can be quite an eerie sensation to see our dog's eyes light up like some...

There are many reasons one might think to ask is a crocodile a lizard? They have a scaly body with four legs, a long tail and a prehistoric face. They are both reptiles and have various similarities physically, taxonomically and otherwise. They both look like contemporary dinosaurs, creatures whose...

The idea of a cat-dog hybrid is a concept that has been around for a long time. People have long been fascinated by the idea of mixing traits of different animals. This has led to the development of certain hybrid animals, such as the liger (lion and tiger), the zonkey (zebra and donkey), and the wolfhound...