Facts about the animal kingdom
Learn more about facts about the animal kingdom by exploring our site and become a true expert on the animal kingdom. You'll find content created for the best professionals with pictures, videos and opinions.
984 articles
![Does My Dog Understand When I Cry?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/5/2/does_my_dog_understand_when_i_cry_5256_300_150.jpg)
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For millennia, dogs have held a unique place by our side, offering companionship, service, and unwavering loyalty. But how deeply does this bond extend? Can they truly understand the complexities of human emotion? Research suggests that dogs are highly sensitive to human feelings, often responding to...
![Why Does My Cat Knead My Stomach?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/4/2/why_does_my_cat_knead_my_stomach_5243_300_150.jpg)
Sometimes referred to as making biscuits, kneading is a peculiar behavior in cats. The feline extends out their paws and draws their digits back and forth as if they were a baker kneading bread. They do it on many different surfaces, but usually those that are soft and give some resistance. These can...
![Can I Touch My Cat’s Newborn Kittens?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/4/2/can_i_touch_my_cat_s_newborn_kittens_5242_300_150.jpg)
Welcoming a litter of newborn kittens is an unforgettable experience for any cat lover. Their tiny paws and playful personalities make it hard to resist scooping them up for a cuddle. However, before you indulge that urge, it's important to understand the best practices for ensuring their health and safety.
This...
![Why Your Dog Sticks Out Their Tongue](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/3/2/why_your_dog_sticks_out_their_tongue_5236_300_150.jpg)
It is not unusual to see your dog sticking out, especially during the summer and often accompanied by panting. While this behavior can be a way to regulate body temperature, it can also signal other emotions or, in some cases, even health issues. Understanding the various reasons behind this tongue...
![How Do Crabs Reproduce?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/3/2/how_do_crabs_reproduce_5233_300_150.jpg)
Crabs, with over 6,700 distinct species, are essential members of diverse ecosystems. They thrive in a remarkable range of habitats, some crabs are terrestrial while others are entirely aquatic. Additionally, their dietary needs vary greatly, with some acting as herbivores while others are carnivores. Unsurprisingly,...
![How Do I Get My Dog to Stop Scratching the Bed?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/3/2/how_do_i_get_my_dog_to_stop_scratching_the_bed_5231_300_150.jpg)
Descended from wolves and wild canines, dogs have a natural instinct to prepare a cozy sleeping spot by creating a comfy nest and adjusting temperature by fluffing for warmth or uncovering cooler layers. Scratching can also leave their scent, marking the bed as their own secure spot. However, there...
![Crab Anatomy - Parts of a Crab](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/3/2/crab_anatomy_parts_of_a_crab_5230_300_150.jpg)
Crabs are crustaceans which mainly live in marine waters, although some are freshwater and a small number are mainly terrestrial. Despite their diverse habitats, they all share certain key physical features. These include an exoskeleton, stalked eyes, hard carapace and their famous pincer claws. Since they...
![How Do Fleas Reproduce?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/2/2/how_do_fleas_reproduce_5229_300_150.jpg)
Despite their small size and lack of wings, fleas are notorious pests for pet owners and wildlife. These external parasites survive by feeding on the blood of mammals and birds, including common hosts like dogs, cats, rodents, and even humans. Understanding their life cycle and reproduction is crucial...
![What Do Silkworm Moths Eat?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/2/2/what_do_silkworm_moths_eat_5225_300_150.jpg)
The silkworm moth (Bombyx mori), part of the Lepidoptera order, has been vital to human history due to its role in silk production. Its life cycle is also a fascinating example of adaptation. The key to the silkworm moth's success is its unique diet, which changes dramatically as it grows.
In this AnimalWised...
![Why Are Cats Obsessed with Boxes?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/2/2/why_are_cats_obsessed_with_boxes_5220_300_150.jpg)
Everyone knows that cats love to play around boxes, often pouncing, batting, and hiding inside them. This attraction isn't just a one time thing, cats repeatedly return to boxes for exploration, relaxation, and play. Their love for cardboard boxes is a curious and multifaceted phenomenon, offering them a...
![How to Get Rid of Scorpions in Your Home Naturally](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/1/2/how_to_get_rid_of_scorpions_in_your_home_naturally_5216_300_150.jpg)
Scorpions are air-breathing arachnids related to spiders and mites. They are easily recognized by their narrow, segmented tail ending in a stinger. This stinger can inject venom to subdue or kill their prey, and in some species, it can be dangerous to humans. However, scorpions are usually not aggressive towards...
![Are There Skunks in Spain?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/1/2/are_there_skunks_in_spain_5215_300_150.jpg)
Skunks were once considered types of mustelid from the family Mustelidae, the taxonomic family that includes otters, weasels, badgers and similar mammals. This is due to similarities in their physical appearance and behavior. There are various mustelids that live in Spain, including badgers, otters, pine...
![What Eats Ants?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/1/2/what_eats_ants_5214_300_150.jpg)
Predators that specialize in consuming ants play a crucial role in various ecosystems around the world. These predators, ranging from insects to mammals and even birds, have adapted unique strategies to hunt and consume ants, capitalizing on their abundance and often formidable defenses. Ants, known for...
![Are Sea Lilies Animals?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/1/2/are_sea_lilies_animals_5212_300_150.jpg)
Sea lilies (crinoids) are a group of marine animals with a surprisingly ancient lineage. Despite their plant-like appearance and name, these filter feeders are close relatives of starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers, belonging to the echinoderm phylum. With a fossil record dating back 450 million...
![Types of Mexican Birds That Migrate](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/1/2/types_of_mexican_birds_that_migrate_5210_300_150.jpg)
Mexico is considered one of the most megadiverse countries in the world in terms of biodiversity. This means that the flora and fauna of Mexico includes a vast number of species, a great range of ecosystems and high levels of endemic species. One reason for this is its size, being larger than any individual...
![How Can You Tell the Age of a Cat?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/0/2/how_can_you_tell_the_age_of_a_cat_5209_300_150.jpg)
Just like humans, cats experience distinct stages of life, each with specific needs. Understanding your cat's age is crucial for providing them with the tailored care, appropriate nutrition, and effective medical attention they deserve at every step of their journey. Whether you're welcoming a playful kitten,...
![Why Did the Dodo Go Extinct?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/0/2/why_did_the_dodo_go_extinct_5206_300_150.jpg)
The dodo, an awkward flightless bird with oversized feet and a curious demeanor, has become a symbol of human-induced extinction. Once roaming freely on the island of Mauritius, these gentle giants vanished entirely within a century of human arrival. The dodo's tragic fate serves as a stark reminder of...
![Why Do They Say That a Cat Has 9 Lives?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/0/2/why_do_they_say_that_a_cat_has_9_lives_5204_300_150.jpg)
Cats have long captivated human imagination with their grace, agility, and mysterious character. Whether they're navigating narrow ledges or leaping from great heights, cats often seem to defy the odds and escape peril unscathed. No wonder why the saying "a cat has nine lives" has transcended cultures...
![Dog Death Quotes for a Dog Passing](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/0/2/dog_death_quotes_for_a_dog_passing_5202_300_150.jpg)
The loss of a dog causes heartache which will not be taken away by words alone. The difficult and painful experience of a dog's death takes time to process. The indelible mark they leave on our lives will not go away, but there are ways we can help the emotional pain of their loss turn into a positive...
![How Do Hummingbirds Manage to Flap Their Wings So Fast?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/0/2/how_do_hummingbirds_manage_to_flap_their_wings_so_fast_5201_300_150.jpg)
Hummingbirds, are known by their vibrant colors and aerial acrobatics. Hummingbirds boast the fastest wing beats of any bird, a remarkable adaptation that fuels their unique flight style. Beyond their flight capabilities, hummingbirds play a crucial role in the ecosystems they inhabit. As pollinators, they facilitate...
![How Do Bats Mate and Reproduce?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/7/9/1/how_do_bats_mate_and_reproduce_5197_300_150.jpg)
The only true flying mammals, bats are a diverse group with over 1,400 identified species. These fascinating creatures range in size from a mere few inches of wingspan to wings over 5 feet wide! Warm-blooded like us, bats nurse their young with milk. They've adapted to thrive in a variety of ecosystems,...
![Orthoptera - Examples & Key Body Parts](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/9/1/orthoptera_examples_key_body_parts_5193_300_150.jpg)
Orthoptera is an order of insects that includes over 20,000 described species, such as grasshoppers, crickets, locusts, and related species. They are known for their ability to jump, thanks to their hind legs, which are significantly longer and more muscular than their front and middle legs. They are...
![What Are the Parts of Jellyfish?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/9/1/what_are_the_parts_of_jellyfish_5190_300_150.jpg)
Jellyfish, sometimes called sea jellies, are fascinating gelatinous animals that drift through the oceans. With their translucent bodies and pulsating bells, they might seem like simple creatures. But beneath their seemingly delicate exterior lies a fascinating array of specialized parts that allow them...
![How Long Do Dolphins Live?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/7/8/1/how_long_do_dolphins_live_5187_300_150.jpg)
Dolphins are fascinating aquatic mammals that belong to the toothed whale family (Odontoceti) within the cetacean group. Dolphins are found in oceans, seas, and some rivers and estuaries around the world. Different species have adapted to thrive in a variety of aquatic environments. However, while not...
![How Can You Tell if Your Cat Is Happy?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/8/1/how_can_you_tell_if_your_cat_is_happy_5185_300_150.jpg)
Cats are known for their independent and sometimes enigmatic nature, which can make it challenging for owners to really understand their feline friends' emotional states. However, cats are masters of subtle communication, often expressing themselves through body language and quiet vocalizations, and understanding...
![What Can Dogs Hear That We Can't?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/8/1/what_can_dogs_hear_that_we_can_t_5183_300_150.jpg)
The world is a symphony of sounds, but for our dogs, it's a whole orchestra we can't even perceive. Dogs possess a remarkable hearing ability, far surpassing that of humans. This incredible auditory ability plays a crucial role in their survival instincts, communication, and even their bond with us.The...
![How Do Jellyfish Breathe?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/8/1/how_do_jellyfish_breathe_5182_300_150.jpg)
Jellyfish have a unique morphology, with a body that resembles few others in the animal kingdom. Despite this appearance, they carry out the same necessary functions and behaviors as all living things. They feed, reproduce and even respire. Respiration in jellyfish is possible thanks to their specially...
![Does a Starfish Have a Brain?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/8/1/does_a_starfish_have_a_brain_5181_300_150.jpg)
As vertebrates, all fish have brains which they use to carry out various functions in their environments. Starfish may be in the shape of a star, but they are not actually a fish. From the phylum Echinodermata, starfish or sea stars are also known as asteroids because they compromise the class Asteroidea....
![How Do Starfish Move?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/7/1/how_do_starfish_move_5179_300_150.jpg)
Starfish, also known as sea stars, inhabit the vast and mysterious ocean depths. Unlike their swimming counterparts, these invertebrates boast a unique star-shaped body with radiating arms. But their most fascinating feature might be their unexpected method of locomotion. Starfish use a unique "crawling"...
![How Many Legs Do Butterflies Have?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/8/1/how_many_legs_do_butterflies_have_5180_300_150.jpg)
Like flies, mosquitoes or dung beetles, butterflies are insects. Unlike these other arthropods, butterflies are often seen as being separate due to their beautiful wings. We might swat a fly or squash a mosquito, but many of us will let a butterfly dance around us happily. Despite this difference in...
![Different Types of Moose](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/7/1/different_types_of_moose_5176_300_150.jpg)
When we refer to the different types of moose, we are not referring to different species. All moose types are part of the species known taxonomically as Alces alces. A member of the deer family (Cervidae), they are the largest extant species of deer. They are known for their imposing heft, especially when they...
![Can Cats Live with Newborns?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/7/1/can_cats_live_with_newborns_5175_300_150.jpg)
The arrival of a newborn is a joyous occasion in any family, but for some pet owners, it can also spark a question: can cats live with newborns? The answer is positive, but achieving a harmonious household requires understanding the dynamics between these two very different members of your family. Get ready...
![Types of New Zealand Birds](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/7/1/types_of_new_zealand_birds_5174_300_150.jpg)
New Zealand is so much associated with its birdlife that the people of this country are known by the demonym of ‘Kiwis’. This is named after the kiwi, a small, flightless bird which is endemic to the island nation. With its two large northern and southern islands, as well as the many hundreds of smaller...
![Natural Scents to Stop Cat Spraying](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/7/1/natural_scents_to_stop_cat_spraying_5173_300_150.jpg)
Does your cat keep leaving unwelcome surprises outside the litter box? This is a common struggle for many cat owners. This behavior can be due to several reasons, including stress, medical issues, or territorial marking. While it's important to address the underlying causes, using natural deterrents can...
![What is a Feral Cat?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/7/1/what_is_a_feral_cat_5171_300_150.jpg)
Have you ever encountered a wary cat lurking on the edges of your neighborhood, seemingly wild and untamed? These are likely feral cats, descendants of domesticated cats who have adapted to a life in the wild. Unlike cuddly house cats, feral cats exhibit distinct characteristics and behaviors that are the result...
![What Are Lungfish? Characteristics and Examples](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/6/1/what_are_lungfish_characteristics_and_examples_5169_300_150.jpg)
Imagine a fish that can breathe air and survive out of water! That's the incredible lungfish, a rare and ancient group that defies expectations. Found in the Southern Hemisphere's freshwater habitats, these "primitive" fish boast a unique biology that allows them to thrive in both aquatic and semiaquatic...
![Where Do Starfish Live?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/8/6/1/where_do_starfish_live_5168_300_150.jpg)
Also known as sea stars, starfish are a type of echinoderm that are known for their marine habits. This means that starfish live in the sea. Although we might see a starfish washed up on shore, this does not mean they can live on land. In fact, a sea star will die if out of water for a sufficient amount...
![How Long Is the Life Cycle of a Cricket?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/7/6/1/how_long_is_the_life_cycle_of_a_cricket_5167_300_150.jpg)
Crickets are hopping insects related to grasshoppers and katydids found within the order Orthoptera. There are more than 2,400 species of crickets identified worldwide. They are known for their chirping sounds, especially at night, which is how male crickets attract mates. Certain cricket species can proliferate...
![What Is the Disney Tarzan Gorilla Called?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/6/1/what_is_the_disney_tarzan_gorilla_called_5166_300_150.jpg)
Many of us may remember Tarzan from the 1999 Disney animated feature, but the origins of the character began some 87 years prior. This was due to the publication of Tarzan of the Apes, a novel written by Edgar Rice Burroughs which provides the first appearance of the character Tarzan. During the years...
![How Crustaceans Grow](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/6/1/how_crustaceans_grow_5165_300_150.jpg)
Have you ever wondered how a crab sheds its tough outer shell? This fascinating process, called molting, is essential for crustaceans like crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. It's essentially a growth strategy where the animal sheds its old, rigid outer covering to make way for a new, larger one.
This AnimalWised...
![How Do Eels Reproduce?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/6/1/how_do_eels_reproduce_5164_300_150.jpg)
Eels are fish making up the order Anguilliformes, a type of ray-finned fish that are known for their long bodies. Despite all eel species having certain similarities, they are a very diverse order of fish. While most eels live in marine ecosystems, some species move between marine and freshwater environments....
![How to Get Rid of Mice in Your House Naturally?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/6/1/how_to_get_rid_of_mice_in_your_house_naturally_5163_300_150.jpg)
Mice, those tiny, quick critters, can become unwelcome house guests. While they might seem harmless at first glance, a mouse infestation in your home can quickly turn into a big problem. These furry intruders can cause damage by gnawing on wires and furniture, and worse, they can also pose health risks...
![The Most Dangerous Animals in Spain](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/6/1/the_most_dangerous_animals_in_spain_5162_300_150.jpg)
Spain is a country which is known for its sunny beaches, beautiful mountain ranges and Mediterranean climate. However, the climactic diversity of the country is great. With regional climates and seasonal variations, the flora and fauna of this country are equally diverse. While we may not think of Spain...
![How Bees Make Honey](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/6/1/how_bees_make_honey_5161_300_150.jpg)
Honey, a natural sweetener treasured by humans for millennia, is more than just a delicious alternative to refined sugars. This golden liquid boasts a variety of colors and flavors, each reflecting the unique floral sources visited by the bees. But the story of honey goes far deeper than its taste. It's...
![How Long Do Chameleons Live?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/6/1/how_long_do_chameleons_live_5160_300_150.jpg)
Chameleons are known for their rare adaptation which allows them to change their color. This can help them both evade predation and catch their own prey. While many know of this famed character trait, there may be a lot you do not know about chameleons. These lizards are of the order Squamata and the family...
![Do Dragonflies Bite or Sting?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/5/1/do_dragonflies_bite_or_sting_5159_300_150.jpg)
Many people give dragonflies a wide berth, fearing their impressive size and those giant, watchful eyes. These ancient insects, dating back millions of years, are renowned for their agility in the air and their important role in controlling insect populations. However, for many, their shimmering wings...
![How Did Whales Go From Land to Sea?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/7/5/1/how_did_whales_go_from_land_to_sea_5157_300_150.jpg)
Despite their majestic presence in the ocean depths, whales share a surprising secret, they're warm-blooded mammals, just like us. They breathe air, give birth to live young, and nurture them with milk. This lineage takes an even more fascinating turn when we discover their ancestry. Millions of years ago,...
![Does a Grasshopper Fly?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/5/1/does_a_grasshopper_fly_5156_300_150.jpg)
Grasshoppers are members of the order Orthoptera, the order which also contains crickets. The name of this order translates as ‘straight wings’, referencing the wing anatomy of this insect species. While their taxonomic name references flight, their common name points toward their other defining ability,...
![Differences Between Dragonflies and Damselflies](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/5/1/differences_between_dragonflies_and_damselflies_5155_300_150.jpg)
Dragonflies and damselflies are common sights near freshwater, often mistaken for each other. Despite their shared habitat, these insects belong to distinct suborders within the Odonata family. Millions of years of evolution have shaped them into unique creatures with distinct characteristics.
This AnimalWised...
![What Do Cacomistles Eat?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/5/1/what_do_cacomistles_eat_5154_300_150.jpg)
Cacomistles (Bassariscus sumichrasti) are animals that belong to the Procyonidae family, a family of animals that also contains kinkajous, coatis and the raccoon. This latter animal is the most widely distributed procyonid in the world, but the cacomistle is much less known. This is partly due to its much...