Animal fun facts

Hedgehogs and porcupines aren't the same. Many people use the terms to refer to both animals, but they couldn't be more wrong. In fact, hedgehogs and porcupines have very noticeable differences and belong to different orders, as you will see below. These are some of the things that separate one species from...

"Deer" is the generic name for different species of mammals from the Cervidae family. Some of them, like the fallow deer, are very common all over the world. Others, like the white-tailed deer of America and the reindeer or caribou of the northernmost regions, are very characteristic of a particular area. Known...

According to the Maya peoples, “the feathers of hummingbirds are magical”. The Mayas were a Mesoamerican civilization who lived between the 3rd and 15th centuries in a region spanning central Mexico to the north of Costa Rica. Their legends, mythology, and folklore still resonate today, perhaps most...

Ants (Formicidae) are part of the hymenopteran family. They are well known for their interesting social behavior as these insects form large colonies that cooperate as a single unit. This feature has allowed them to take advantage of all available resources and thrive all over the planet. We often see...

Perhaps the most famous marsupial animal is the kangaroo. They are known for having a pouch in which they develop their embryos and carry their young. This pouch is known as a marsupium and this is from where the collective taxonomic name marsupial is derived. Although not all marsupials live there, many...

The world's oceans cover over 70% of the earth's surface. Unfortunately, climate change is meaning this surface area is increasing to the detriment of life on land. While humans are fascinated by what occurs under the sea, according to the U.S. National Ocean Service, more than 80% of the world's oceans are...

Looking into another pair of eyes can be an intense experience. We call them the window to the soul for a reason. If a person has eyes of two different colors, the effect can be magical. When a dog displays this feature, the impression is no less enchanting. The medical terminology for this phenomenon...

The color of an animal's skin and coat is one of the many characteristics that allow us to distinguish one species from another. Our fascination with these colors and coat patterns is evident throughout history, particularly in art, design, textiles, and various other industries. However, some animals within...

Steppes are plains characterized by low rainfall and a semi-arid, temperate climate. As a result, not much vegetation grows on the steppes, which are usually grassland or shrubland biomes usually covered in short grasses or sparse vegetation. Steppes occur in temperate regions - between the tropics...

The octopus is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating marine animals in the world. Their complex physical characteristics, great intelligence, and behavioral eccentricities have aroused the interest of marine biologists, school students, and pretty much anyone who has even a casual interest in the animal...

We can sometimes forget the extent of the diversity of our oceans. Since much of its ecosystems lie fathoms under the sea and most of us don't spend much time there, we don't witness much of its wildlife. Even though many documentaries have been made and articles written about sharks, there is still much...

Cats are supposed to be excellent hunters. The fact that various cats have been brought onto ships, into businesses and even into the Houses of Parliament in the UK shows they are valued for their hunting abilities. Like working dogs, these cats are used as mousers as their hunting instincts draw them...

Are you looking for short dog quotes or sentimental dog quotes? Do you want to express your friendship with your pup with a photo and a quote which does your relationship justice? Whether you are looking for funny dog quotes, dog quotes for Instagram, short dog quotes or cute dog quotes, this article...

The life cycle of butterflies is one of nature's most interesting processes. The birth of these insects requires several stages, during which they undergo incredible transformations. Not only is this process detailed, but butterfly metamorphosis is also incredibly interesting. Do you want to know how...

Agnatha are fish that have existed for over 470 million years. Although most agnatha are now extinct, some have found unique and interesting ways to survive. Agnatha or jawless fish can be found in waters all over the world, and they share few characteristics with other marine mammals. But, what is...

We all know how therapeutic music can be and using this form of therapy for cats could be a no-brainer for some, but do cats like music? Thanks to numerous studies and scientific experiments, it’s safe to say that some cats enjoy specific types of music. However, understanding cat senses and cat hearing...

Mollusks are a large group of soft-bodied invertebrate animals. Although the phylum Mollusca is made up of a set of incredibly diverse animals, there are certain characteristics which aid in classifying them. Whether you are looking to discover mollusk characteristics, classification of mollusks, or information...

Jellyfish are one of the most feared animals that inhabit the world’s oceans, usually because of their painful and sometimes deadly bite. Have you also heard of the classical legends of giant jellyfish capable of sinking ships? There is no denying that many jellyfish are extremely dangerous, but this is...

Ants are a common insect distinguished by their remarkable sense of organization. These eusocial insects evolved about 140 million years ago and have adapted to thrive in nearly every habitat around the world. Despite their small size, ants play a significant role in various ecosystems, highlighting...

Snails are shelled gastropods most commonly recognized for their slimy shell-covered bodies. Did you know that there are are roughly 43,000 snail species in the world? These snail types are classed into groups which include land snails, sea snails and freshwater snails. Whether marine or terrestrial,...

There are many different species of fish in the world, and if you have an aquarium at home, it is essential that you are up-to-date on all things fish related. The first thing you need to remember is that not all fish species can live together in harmony. In fact, the fundamental aspects of fish behavior...

Our planet is full of extraordinary organisms and animals, capable of living under the most extreme conditions. Organisms that live in extreme environments are also referred to as extremophiles and they can include bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. Keep reading here at AnimalWised for more about the animals...

Did you know that some animals don’t have brains? Contrary to what many people believe, despite the lack of this important organ, these animals can still function normally, but how? Thanks to evolutionary processes, these animals have developed alternative methods to help them survive. For more about these...

Many animals breathe through the skin, although some of them, due to their size, combine this with other types of breathing. Did you know that some of the animals that breathe through their skin may also modify the shape of their bodies to increase surface/volume ratio? Animals that breathe through the...

In this AnimalWised article we present the ultimate top 5 smallest cat breeds in the World. You'll also learn lots about their origins and their most distinctive physical features, which makes these tiny beings really adorable animals next to his small stature. The top 5 goes as follows: Singapura Korat Munchikin Skookum Devon...

Cats are reserved animals who hide their emotions much better than dogs, who tend to be more impulsive and expressive in their behavior. A cat’s elegant movements towards us can be very restrained and complex, therefore, you will need to carefully study your cat’s movements in order to understand him/her...

The truth is that any animal can be preyed on, but this does not necessarily make the animal a prey animal. In fact, prey animals are easily distinguishable from those that are not. However, the relationship between prey and predatory animals is fundamental when it comes to ecological balance. For more...

As with terrestrial animals, fish need oxygen to live. Unlike land animals, they have to live the majority of their lives completely submerged underwater. We lung users might be biased on our ideas about breathing. It is true that we have evolved to the point we can breathe on land, but the over 33,000...

All dogs have whiskers, be them short or long. These whiskers are visible on a dog’s snout as rigid and firm textured hair. Some people cut their dogs’ whiskers for aesthetic reasons in an effort to meet certain breed "standards." This is, however, incredibly dangerous and can cause unnecessary damage. For...

Both are large spotted-skinned felines, excellent hunters and share habitats at certain times. However the cheetah and the leopard do not have as many things in common as it may seem. If you have always wondered the differences between a cheetah and a leopard you have entered the appropriate site. In...

From ancient times, the figure of the cat has been surrounded by myths that say they have supernatural powers, from the ability to transmit "bad luck" to the ability to anticipate events that have not yet occurred. Leaving superstition aside, there are 7 things cats can predict. They have nothing to...

Cats are incredible animals that bring laughter, affection and happiness to humans. Nowadays, there are about 100 officially recognized cat breeds, but surely, we don't know even half of them unless you are experts in the subject. In this AnimalWised article, we are not going to show you all the cat...

Are you wondering what cat headbutting means? Does your cat rub its head against you, leaving you puzzled? Cats are enigmatic creatures and can be quite a mystery to their human companions. They have a penchant for sleeping, emit intriguing sounds and purrs, and sometimes engage in inexplicable behaviors,...

Australia is a fascinating country not only for its culture and its people, but also for its natural beauty and environment. Australian fauna and flora are unique, revealing an enormous amount of endemic species, many of which make Australia so popular around the world. When we talk about the Australian...

During the embryonic development of any animal, crucial processes are carried out so that the new individual can form correctly. Any failure, corruption, or error during this process can cause serious damage to the progeny, including the death of the unborn embryo. The embryo is the early stage of development...

Elephants are among the largest animals in the world. Tall, heavy, majestic, and with huge ears, these animals carry imposing tusks, making it difficult for them to go unnoticed. But, have you ever wondered where elephants live? Learn a little more about these magnificent mammals, their distribution,...

All living organisms are classified into five kingdoms, from small bacteria to humans. This classification holds fundamental foundations which scientist Robert Whittaker established. They have also contributed enormously to the study of living beings on earth. Do you want to know more about the 5 kingdom...

Our planet has climates of all kinds: from raw winters to soft springs. These different types of climate and variety of geographical areas are so great, that in each one different species of fauna and flora can be found. But what kind of animals exist in the desert? In this AnimalWised article we will...

Within the great group of viviparous we find different reproductive strategies, each holding different names. In this AnimalWised article we are going to explain them and explore certain facts which are worth knowing. We aim to make clear the difference between viviparous animals and mammals. In general,...

Between the years 2000 and 2010 the possession of pigs as pets has been popularized in western nations. After years of coexistence, we have witnessed a multitude of cases in which these pets have saved their owners. Others have learned behaviors that, until recently, were not considered proper or even...

Jellyfish are dome-shaped, gelatinous invertebrates. Many of us have encountered this fascinating animal, either through jellyfish stings or by observing them in the ocean. Jellyfish are not actually fish; they are plankton. Despite their popularity, these intriguing creatures remain somewhat mysterious. Have...

Children tend to learn new words and their meanings quite easily. Not only is this good for their amusement, but it also helps them learn new languages. In addition to English, Spanish is an incredibly important language. In fact, studies show that Spanish is the second most widely-spoken language in...

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are adorable at a royal degree; with their big ears and cylindrical, fluffy shape, it's no surprise that they are Queen Elizabeth II's favorite breed. However, do you know just how much she loves them? The Queen has had about three dozens of dogs in her life, most of them Welsh...

Wild cats exist in every continent except for Antarctica. Some of them like the European wildcat, are well-known and easily recognizable; others, however, are not so familiar. In this AnimalWised article we will go over the types of wild cats around the world, discussing the smaller Felidae - that is, felids...

The word dinosaur comes from the Latin dinosaurus "Terrible Lizard", an incredibly suitable name deeming the stars of the famous Jurassic Park movie. Not only were these amazing creatures at the top of the food chain for centuries, but it is also estimated that there were over 1,000 million different dinosaur...

If you have decided to adopt a Shiba Inu dog, or if you are still thinking about it, you might want to know about the various possible Shiba Inu coat colors. This breed of Japanese origin has a very special character that you're sure to fall in love with. AnimalWised will list the Shiba Inu's different...

As in the case of people, cats have preferences when it comes to maintaining social relations, for this reason, it is no surprise that they have a favorite person or more than one. But is that really true? Do cats prefer a person above all others? Or is it rather a myth? In AnimalWised we have decided...

The word dinosaur comes from Latin, whose Greek translation would be "Terrible Lizard", a name that fits the stars of Jurassic Park like a glove. These big lizards that dominated the world were at the top of the food chain and have been there for a long time. In order to be able to fully and honestly address...

Everyone has heard of the famous Game of Thrones series and of course, its incredible dragons, probably the most popular fantastic characters in the series. We know that winter is coming, which is why, in this new AnimalWised article, we are going to talk about what the names of Game of Thrones Dragons...

You've probably heard that calico cats and tortoiseshell cats - that is, cats with particolored coats - are always female. Is that true? Why does it happen? In this AnimalWised article we'll explain why this type of coat happens to help you find out whether this is indeed a female-only characteristic...