Facts about animals
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If I was to describe an animal with webbed feet, a beak and the ability to lay eggs, you would be forgiven for assuming I was talking about a bird. Oddly enough, this description also fits the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), the only animal in its genus. It is a fascinating creature which has befuddled...
The Kung Fu Panda franchise has captivated audiences of all ages with its blend of action, humor, and heart. Spanning four films (and potentially more!), the saga takes place in the idyllic Valley of Peace, a place inspired by Ancient China but inhabited by a most unusual cast – animals who are masters of...
The origin of birds has been one of the most controversial topics in evolutionary biology. There have been several proposed theories about their origin which has led changing taxonomy over the years. Just as the animals themselves have evolved, so has our understanding of them. It is notoriously difficult...
The classification of the octopus within the realm of mollusks has long sparked debate among scientists. Traditionally, octopuses have been grouped alongside their shelled relatives like snails and clams, owing to shared characteristics such as a soft body, bilateral symmetry, and a mantle. However,...
Zebras, iconic inhabitants of the African savanna, are immediately distinguishable by their mesmerizing black and white stripes. Beyond their aesthetic charm, zebra stripes play pivotal roles in their survival, contributing to camouflage, social communication, and protection against parasites. While the...
The anatomy of the ant is structured in such a way as to make them one of the most industrious creatures in nature. Famous for their ability to carry weights much greater than their own, ants have many specialized body parts which allow them to carry out various roles and functions within the ant colony....
Ever wondered how some animals navigate and hunt in the dark with seemingly superhuman precision? The answer lies in a remarkable adaptation called echolocation, a biological sonar that allows them to "see" with sound. From the fluttering wings of a bat to the graceful glide of a dolphin, echolocation...
Did you know that some mammals can fly? Unlike most mammals, which live on land, these flying mammals have unique body parts that help them move through the air. Bats are the most well-known flying mammals, but there are other kinds, like flying squirrels and colugos. Furthermore, these flying mammals...
In the realm of Disney's animated classics, few duos have captured the hearts of audiences quite like Timon and Pumbaa, the inseparable pair from "The Lion King." Their significance in popular culture extends beyond mere entertainment; they embody a philosophy of carefree living and a celebration of...
The question of whether animals feel pain has long intrigued scientists and philosophers. While a conclusive answer remains elusive, research indicates that animals, ranging from insects to mammals, do indeed experience pain similarly to humans. They possess nociceptors—specialized sensory neurons responsible...
Butterflies and moths are among the most cherished and recognizable insects globally. Their vibrant wings and graceful flight patterns bring joy to many. However, while these two insect groups belong to the order Lepidoptera, encompassing over 180,000 described species, they exhibit distinguishing features...
Whales and dolphins beaching themselves is a mysterious and upsetting event that has been studied by scientists, conservationists, and the public for many years. These amazing marine animals, known for their grace and ability to live in the ocean, sometimes do something that goes against their nature: they...
In the realm of household pests, bed bugs hold a notorious reputation for their stealthy habits and unwelcome presence. These tiny, blood-sucking insects have mastered the art of concealment, often lurking in the depths of mattresses, bed frames, and furniture crevices. However, one question often arises...
Imagine being the tallest land mammal on Earth. You have a long neck that allows you to reach leaves high up in trees, but it also makes you a target for predators. How do you stay safe while you sleep? Giraffes have evolved a unique sleeping habit to help them survive.
In this article, we will explore...
The cow's stomach is polygastric, meaning it is made up of multiple digestive cavity. In the case of cows, they are an animal with 4 different stomach compartments. The parts of the cow's stomach are the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum. Within these different cavities, the food is fermented to extract...
Rats and mice are two of the most common rodents, and they often get mistaken for each other. But while they may look similar, there are some key differences between these two furry creatures. Learning about the differences between rats and mice can help us to better understand these animals and their...
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...
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...
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...
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...