Facts about animals
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As with any type of bird, ducks do not have teeth. This can be confusing for some us since we may see what appear to be teeth when we look inside a duck's beak. Ducks are types of waterfowl belonging to the family Anatidae. They still have to eat various types of food, but have developed a feeding system...
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Most people think of ducks as eating bread, but that's not the case! In fact, ducks have a varied diet that depends on their species and habitat. Ducks are omnivorous birds that eat a variety of foods, including insects, worms, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and even fish.
In this article by thedailyECO, we'll...
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The different types of bird beaks exist largely due to the varying diet of various bird species. Such birds can be frugivorous, granivorous, insectivorous, carnivorous or even nectarivorous, as well as various omnivorous bird species. Unlike other groups of vertebrates, birds do not have teeth. Their...
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Jellyfish anatomy is fairly unique in the animal kingdom. Although they share certain features with other cnidarians, there are parts of a jellyfish we cannot see outside of their phylum. These include the main body which is an umbrella-shaped bell, the manubrium that connects the mouth with the gastric cavity...
Whales, the colossal inhabitants of the world's oceans, are among the most captivating and enigmatic creatures on our planet. Whales are classified into two distinct groups: mysticetes and toothed whales. Mysticetes, often referred to as baleen whales, possess baleen instead of teeth in their adult stage. In...
The difference between a turtle dove and a pigeon can be seen in both their physical and behavioral characteristics. Differences in size, plumage coloration, tail length, birdsong and their social interaction all help us distinguish between these two birds.
All pigeons and doves, including turtle doves,...
Cows have 32 teeth which is the same number as certain other mammals, including human beings. However, the arrangement of their teeth is much different to our own. This is because cows do not have teeth as many in their upper jaw. Cows are ruminant animals, types of hoofed mammals that chew their food...
Sometimes called the koala bear, the koala is a marsupial mammal endemic to the eastern and southern coasts of Australia. The koala diet is dependent on this habitat since they forage for food among the forested areas they call home. Since they mainly live in forests dominated by eucalyptus trees, it...
Frogs, those intriguing amphibians sharing the Anura order with toads, are a diverse group comprising around 6,600 known species. In the world of evolution, dietary needs often shape an organism's oral structures. Frogs, too, experience a dietary transition – from plant matter as larvae to small invertebrates...
It is intriguing to speculate about jellyfish's cognitive capabilities. Unlike many creatures, jellyfish don't possess conventional brains. Instead, they rely on a decentralized network of nerve cells that sparks debates within the scientific community. Investigating whether jellyfish are capable of...
When a fly rubs their hands, it may seem like they are just passing some time. Flies are insects in the order Diptera that are associated with being annoying and even spreading pathogens. However, flies are an incredibly important member of their ecosystem. Without them, many ecosystems would fall apart,...
Jellyfish do have eyes, although it is easy to understand why many people may think they do not. This is because the structures of jellyfish eyes do not function the same as many other mammal species. This does not mean that jellyfish do not have vision. It does mean that their vision may be more limited...
Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, are enchanting creatures that captivate the imagination with their mesmerizing light displays. These fascinating insects belong to the family Lampyridae, and they are renowned for their unique ability to emit bioluminescent light, creating a magical spectacle in...
As with all cetaceans, whales have an amazing ability to sleep while in the water. Although whales can dive underwater for long periods, they cannot breathe underwater like fish. They have to rely on surfacing to breathe in air and carry out respiration. This leads thedailyECO to ask how do whales sleep...
Sharks are renowned as apex predators, occupying the top of the marine food chain. Sharks possess a wide range of adaptations that contribute to their survival and success. These include their streamlined bodies, powerful jaws filled with sharp teeth, excellent senses (such as smell and electroreception),...
Dragonflies can bite humans, but this does not mean they pose significant danger. Unlike insects such as wasps or bees, they do not have a stinger which can envenomate humans. This means they do not pose significant danger to people, but there are some behaviors and abilities we need to keep in mind. Dragonflies...
The subject of whether orcas, commonly known as killer whales, are dangerous has become a topic of intense debate and curiosity in recent years. With their imposing size, power, and reputation as apex predators, orcas have long fascinated and captivated humans. Their exceptional intelligence, intricate social...
Salamanders and geckos are both small vertebrates which look quite similar at a distance. Both have a very similar body conformation, insectivorous diet and nocturnal habits. Although they look similar, they are actually very different. Even if they may both look like lizards, only one falls into this category...
Owls and barn owls are probably the best known nocturnal birds of prey in any corner of the planet. Although they share many similarities and sometimes even the same habitats, these birds of prey have many differences from each other. Would you know how to differentiate an owl from an owl with the naked...
The differences between false killer whales and orcas are not only taxonomic, but also physical and behavioral. Orcas are also known as killer whales, a name indicative of their incredible skill as hunters. While false killer whales are their own animal, their similarity in appearance has led many to confuse...
Embark on a fascinating exploration into the world of the volcano snail (Chrysomallon squamiferum), also known as the scaly-foot gastropod. This extraordinary sea snail thrives in diverse underwater volcanic regions. With its unique adaptations and resilient nature, this captivating creature has captured...
The difference between the swift, swallow and house martin is not only due to taxonomy. We can identify the differences between swifts, swallows and martins by their plumage and behavior. The tails, wings and coloration of these birds are similar enough that they can become confused with each other. It is...
The animal with the biggest brain in the animal kingdom is the sperm whale. The brain is the largest organ of the central nervous system. It is used to control the rest of the body's organs, sending and receiving signals through said nervous system. Not all living animals have brains, with the exceptions...
Although dogs and cats are known for a notoriously antagonistic relationship, not as much has been reported on the relationship between foxes and cats. Like dogs, foxes are canids which are notable for their bushy tail, pointed ears and elongated muzzle. They are also known for their mischievous behaviors...
Whale vomit, also known as ambergris, has been a mysterious and highly sought-after substance for centuries. Found in the digestive systems of sperm whales, ambergris is a waxy, greyish material that has a unique scent and fixative properties that make it a prized ingredient in the perfume industry....
The differences between rabbits and hares are present in both their physical appearance and behaviors, despite their many similarities. Such similarities are understandable given the fact they are very closely related in the family Leporidae, but sufficiently distinct to be part of different genera....
Dinosaurs have captivated scientists and enthusiasts for a considerable time, and one of the most intriguing aspects of their existence is their reproductive process. Although direct observation of dinosaur breeding is impossible, paleontologists have gleaned insights into their behavior from fossil studies....
Butterflies and moths are some of the most beautiful animals in the world, but we do not associate them with being venomous. They lack stingers, fangs or other appendages which would allow them to break the skin of a person or an animal. For this reason, it can seem strange that some of the most deadly insects...
The llama and alpaca are two of the most iconic animals from South America. We see their representations in indigenous crafts, official tourism promotion and various other images associated with the Andean region. Whether looking at a representation or a live animal, it can be difficult to distinguish between...
Both the coyote and the wolf are mammals. More specifically, they are carnivorous animals found in the family Canidae. The members of this group are known as canids and they share various physical and behavioral similarities. They also have key differences which are used to tell species apart from each other....
Eagles are symbols of strength and courage, being so for good reason. As birds of prey, they feed on other animals and have become apex predators in their natural habitats. Not only do they have razor-sharp talons and piercing beaks, but their agility in the air means they can swoop down on prey with deadly...
Bees have a highly developed communication system that allows them to coordinate and execute complex social behaviors within their colonies. Communication is critical for bees because they must work together to gather food, care for young, and protect the colony from predators and environmental threats....
People are afraid of cockroaches for a variety of reasons, both rational and irrational. Firstly, cockroaches are associated with unclean and unsanitary environments. They are also carrier of diseases and bacteria and can even cause allergy in some people. However, cockroaches also play important ecological...
Dolphins are known as much for their intelligence as they are their natural beauty. Although morphologically very different, dolphins share various traits and behaviors which are often more common in human beings than in animal behavior. These traits include the fact that dolphins are very sociable...
The organism of every living species, no matter how large or small, is distinct from the rest and is designed to be supplied with what it needs to function in the necessary environment. One of the most curious cases in nature is that of earthworms. Earthworms are oligochaete annelids found in a total of...
Respiration is the process by which living things take in oxygen from the air or water and release carbon dioxide, and is essential for all life functions. There are different types of respiratory systems: Cutaneous respiration, gill respiration, tracheal respiration, and pulmonary respiration. In cutaneous...
Turtles are long-lived reptiles that are characterized by the presence of a strong shell. This carapace covers their body, allowing them to protect their organs from predators. The diet of turtles varies according to species, of which there are over three hundred. Some live on land, freshwater or even...
Although they tend to proliferate in warner climates, only the Antarctic and Iceland are known to be territories with no evidence of mosquitoes. This means most of us have likely encountered a mosquito at some point in our lives, even if only when traveling. If there are mosquitoes, there are usually mosquito...
If you are walking in nature and you come across a slippery animal croaking and hopping, you may find it difficult to know if you are witnessing a toad or a frog. Both are amphibians from the order Anura. They may have bulging eyes, strong hind legs and slimy skin, but they are also noted for their great...
Bees tend to be either lauded or feared. They not only provide delicious honey, their ability to pollinate various plants essentially means we are able to continue living on this planet. While the concept of bees may be widely supported, individual bees can make people run for cover. This is thanks...
Birds are an extremely diverse group of vertebrates that inhabit the entire world and even the Antarctic continent. The main feature that distinguishes them from the other classes of animals is the transformation of their forelegs into wings. Birds have a great variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. There are some...
Alligators and crocodiles are easily confused because they belong to the same phylogenetic order. Also, both are large reptiles with tough skin, long tails, stubby legs, elongated snouts, and large teeth. Both have been around for a very long time, 83 million years, and have changed little since then. However,...
The reason living things breathe is to get the oxygen they need and get rid of carbon dioxide waste. Plants and animals breathe in different ways. Firstly, plants mainly breathe in CO2, while animals use the gas that plants exhale, oxygen. Animals also have different forms of respiration, and although...
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