Facts about animals
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At first glance, damselflies and dragonflies seem to be very similar insects. While both are part of the order Odonata, they have some key differences. Such differences between dragonflies and damselflies can be seen in their wings, flight ability, body type and behaviors. While it may be difficult to distinguish...
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Dolphins are carnivorous marine mammals. While they mainly feed on cephalopods and fish, some are known to kill other mammals. They can sometimes even kill large animals such as porpoises or even other dolphins, despite not feeding upon them. Many tours offer experiences where you can swim with certain species...
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Cicadas make noise primarily for communication between males and females. During mating season, cicada need to alert each other that they are ready for reproduction. They may make this noise by contracting and relaxing muscles in a very rapid manner. While it sounds like clicking or chirruping, this distinctive...
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Among the differences between the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and the bison (Bison sp.), greatly different geographic populations and habitat preferences stand out as some of the most significant. Other differences include the length of horn, density of fur and many others. thedailyECO provides a guide...
Snake anatomy is unique among reptiles. Most notably, they have a complete lack of limbs and a very elongated body which can be many feet in length. They also have specialized sensory organs, lidless eyes and other features, some of which are not common to all snakes. For example, some snake species...
Crabs are invertebrate animals. Despite having a shell which acts as an exoskeleton, they do not have the definitive spinal columns which determine whether an animal is vertebrate or invertebrate. A lack of backbone is common to all crustacean species, not only crabs. While muscles are attached to bones in...
An octopus is a type of mollusk, a category of animals that also includes snails and clams. Despite being taxonomically very similar, they share certain key differences. For example, octopuses don't have shells and snails don't have eight arms. The anatomy of an octopus is very particular. Their head makes...
When asking whether geckos are poisonous, they are more likely wondering whether they are venomous. Geckos are a wide-ranging group of reptiles in the infraorder Gekkota. Many reptile species are considered highly venomous, meaning they have the ability to inject toxins into potential prey, usually for...
Snails are gastropod mollusks which can be terrestrial or aquatic. The latter can live in both freshwater or marine environments. When we look at the anatomy of a snail, we see their hard shell with which they are associated. Except for the shell, we may also be aware that they are soft and squidgy invertebrates,...
Also known as the Mediterranean jellyfish, the friend egg jellyfish (Cotylorhiza tuberculata) is the medusa stage of a sea jelly which lives mainly in European waters. Its common name is thanks to its distinctive shape and coloring, giving it the appearance of a fried chicken egg. The umbrella or bell...
Like worms, snakes move in a sidewinding or reticular motion that allow them to traverse the ground without limbs. Worms are invertebrates which mean they lack a backbone by definition. Despite snakes often appearing like large worms, they are a very different animal. In fact, they are vertebrates because...
Everywhere you look, from bustling city sidewalks to the deepest jungles, ants crawl and conquer. These ubiquitous social insects have carved a niche in nearly every ecosystem on Earth. But beneath their seemingly familiar exterior lies a surprising truth: ants don't see the world in the same way we do....
Wasps are a diverse group of insects, often overshadowed by their more celebrated cousin, the honeybee. However, these fascinating creatures are ecological powerhouses, playing crucial roles in both natural ecosystems and even benefiting some human activities. While their stings and territorial behavior...
Bats are very diverse in terms of physical characteristics and behaviors. For example, some eat fruit, others famously eat blood. Size is a great differentiator in types of bat species. The largest bat in the world can be up to 5.6 ft long, while the smallest is under 6 inches. Although many people...
World Otter Day takes place on Wednesday, 29th May 2024. This date has been celebrated since 2014 and arose as an initiative of the International Otter Survival Fund. The aim of this international day of otters is to raise awareness about otters in general, but also to help ensure their conservation. Sensitizing...
Turtles, also known as testudines, are reptiles instantly recognizable by their unique protective shells. Over 350 species roam the Earth, making them a diverse and widespread group. These incredible creatures can be found on most continents (excluding Antarctica), inhabiting a variety of environments – both...
Lynxes are a type of large cat which collectively make up the genus Lynx. While not as big as some other wild felids, they are important carnivorous animals in their ecosystem which help to regulate the food web due to their status as apex predators. Each of the members of the genus have various similarities,...
Chameleons are captivating reptiles renowned for their ability to shift colors seemingly at will. From vibrant greens that mimic rainforest foliage to fiery oranges that stand out on sun-drenched branches. But what drives this remarkable adaptation? The answer lies within a fascinating biological innovation:...
In the wild world, survival hinges on a delicate balance of power. Predators rely on weapons honed by evolution, and few are more crucial than a powerful bite. But who packs the most punishing chomp? This isn't just about razor-sharp teeth. We'll delve into the science behind jaw strength, skull structure,...
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 cavities. 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),...