Facts about the animal kingdom

The word "armadillo" comes from Spanish and means "the little one with the armor," alluding to the plates of bone that cover the back, head, legs, and tail of these peculiar creatures. Armadillos are the only living mammals that wear this type of protection. These animals, closely related to anteaters...

Any animal lover who walks out on the street and sees a stray cat in a bedraggled state will feel a certain amount of pity. When they come to our property, we may even feel compelled to feed them since we have the resources. AnimalWised asks should you feed stray cats? In asking the question, we are not...

You may have heard that cats' behavior changes when a woman living in the same household becomes pregnant. Some even claim that cats are able to tell if a woman is pregnant even before she knows it herself. But how can this be? There are few scientific studies on the subject, but everything we know so...

The term "big cat" is usually used to refer to all members of the genus Panthera. Small and medium-sized cats, including domestic cats, belong to the genus Felis. Big cats are found throughout the world in habitats as diverse as mangrove swamps, deserts, mountains and wooded forests. All cats are carnivores,...

When we think of feeding birds, we might associate it with seeds in bird feeders or perhaps slurping up worms from the dirt. The diet of birds is as varied as birds themselves, with around 10,000 different species in various ecosystems finding their sustenance from a variety of food sources. There are...

Thanatosis is a behavior by which some animals pretend to be dead. This form of animal deception is an adaptive behavior used as a defense mechanism or a form of mimicry and occurs in a wide variety of animals. Most often, they pretend to be dead in order to survive, hoping that their predator will no longer...

You may be aware that a dog can sense a woman's pregnancy. This is mainly thanks to their incredible sense of smell which allows them to observe cellular changes in a woman's body that we are ill equipped to perceive. It is also because our dog pays attention to us. When we build a strong bond with our canine,...

Deer belong to a diverse group of animals within the family Cervidae, which includes more than 50 different species. Common characteristics of the group include the presence of antlers in all but one male species, which are renewed each year. Their size and weight can vary greatly depending on the species....

Canids are a very diverse family of carnivorous mammals, with about 34 species. Most of them have a very similar body structure as well as specific characteristics such as a highly developed sense of smell and hearing, which are crucial for their survival. Because coyotes and wolves are closely related and...

Birds have been inspiring human beings since before we had words, so it is no surprise many of our most common idioms are related to birds. Whether used to inspire, reflect on nature or even highlight deep truths through metaphor or poetry, there are many bird sayings which can help us make better sense...

Wasps are insects classified within the order Hymenoptera, the order which also contains bees, sawflies, and ants. This is due to various characteristics which each individual species shares such as a narrow waist, hamuli wings, and segmented antennae. Bees and wasps are known for their ability to sting, but this...

Penguins (Spheniscidae) are a family of birds, the only one of the order Sphenisciformes. There are at least eighteen living species, belonging to six genera, distributed from the poles to the tropics of the Southern Hemisphere. Penguins are known among birds for their feathered tuxedos and graceful gait....

Dogs and cats are much more like us than we think, to the point that they are also ticklish. This is a sensation they feel when we stroke certain areas of their body where a large number of nerve endings are concentrated. However, unlike humans and primates, our pets are not able to feel all types of tickling. Read...

It is no secret to anyone that cats are unique and extraordinary animals. We who live with them are always amazed at all the things they can do. Cats have always aroused our curiosity and have even given rise to some myths and legends around the world. The following AnimalWised article lists some of...

As you know, the teeth of animals are specially adapted to the type of food they eat. Dogs, being carnivores, have incisors and canines with which they can grasp, tear and rip meat, and premolars and molars with which they can cut and grind food. Our dog's teeth can tell us a lot about our dog's health,...

We know cats are very hygienic animals. They will spend much of their day grooming themselves senseless. Although we need to help them with brushing their coat and general maintenance, too many guardians neglect their dental care. Since a domestic cat's diet is different to their wild counterparts,...

Amphibians belong to the phylum Chordatea. This is a taxonomic class that includes three orders. One of them is the anurans, which include frogs and toads. These fascinating amphibians are anatomically and physiologically adapted to a dual life in water and on land, and undergo metamorphosis to become adults....

Sleep is a state of rest which allows animals to alter various physiological processes. This is necessary to conserve energy, help muscles rest and perform various other functions. Other organic processes change to facilitate this such as altering brain function and slowing respiration. Different animals...

While there will be general consistency, most cats will have a somewhat capricious nature. Sometimes they will want to preserve their personal space and have some moments alone. Other times they will appear desperate for company. As long as you have a good relationship with your cat and a strong bond of...

When in natural light, we can look into our dog's eyes and see the deep coloration. Although a dog's eyes can be a range of colors, they are all patterned delicately and do not have any natural bioluminescence. For this reason, it can be quite an eerie sensation to see our dog's eyes light up like some...

Cats are known to love to sleep. They often sleep for hours during the day. In fact, it is not uncommon for a cat to sleep up to 16 hours a day, with some cats sleeping even more. Although this may seem excessive to some, this is completely normal behavior for cats. Even though it is normal for cats...

The pink dolphin, also known as the Amazon dolphin or boto, is a species of freshwater dolphin known for its characteristic pink coloration, which comes from capillaries near the surface of the skin. As its name suggests, the pink dolphin is found mainly in the Amazon River. It is the largest species...

Antlers are one of the most distinctive features of male deer and play an important role in the survival and reproduction of the animal. However, many people are unaware that these impressive structures are not permanent, and that male deer shed their antlers every year. This natural process, known as antler...

The difference between a fawn and a doe deer is to do with age and sex, not with breed. Different types of deer live in different regions, but we use the same terminology for the ages and sex of all true deer species. Many people want to know the difference between the two for hunting purposes, but this...

Cockroaches are a group of insects that belong to the order Blattodea, an order which also contains termites. They are particularly well distributed in tropical and temperate climates since they like warmth and humidity, but they have an almost global distribution. In fact, they are famous for being able to...

The raccoon (Procyon lotor) stands out as a truly remarkable creature in the animal kingdom, exhibiting exceptional adaptability and resourcefulness. With their iconic mask-like facial markings and remarkable agility, these small mammals have managed to thrive in a variety of habitats, ranging from urban areas...

The mythological animals from ancient Greece have permeated cultures worldwide, remaining as legends long after their origins have been forgotten. While mythological creatures from many cultures still influence modern thought, those from ancient Greece are particularly resonant. This is partly due to the Greek...

Crepuscular animals are those that are most active during the twilight periods of dusk and dawn. This is a period of low light where the sun has not set, but is below the horizon. Animals will adapt to their environment in many ways. Crepuscular animals have their own adaptations which make them better...

Cats vibrating their tail are communicating with others in their environment. Different tail positions and movements in cats will have different interpretations. To understand what they mean, we need to study feline communication and body language. We also need to look at the context of the situation. Understanding...

Yawning is a common behavior that we often associate with tiredness or boredom in humans. But have you ever wondered why dogs yawn? Dogs, our loyal and beloved companions, also engage in this intriguing behavior, and it carries significant meaning in their world of communication. Understanding why dogs...

Birds exhibit an astonishing diversity in terms of species, habitats, sizes, shapes, behaviors, and adaptations. With over 10,000 known species worldwide, birds can be found in virtually every corner of the globe. Birds have diversified their behaviors to occupy various ecological niches. From their exceptional...

With their towering height, graceful gait, and distinctively patterned coats, giraffes (Giraffa) stand out as one of nature's most awe-inspiring marvels. As the tallest land animals on Earth, giraffes possess a unique and elegant beauty that sets them apart from all others. They primarily feed on leaves,...

From the humble beginnings of small, four-toed mammals to the majestic creatures we know today, the evolution of horses spans millions of years. Thanks to the field of paleontology, we have gained valuable insights into the origins and evolution of horses. Through meticulous study and analysis, scientists...

Sparrows have a different lifespan in captivity than they do in the wild. There are two birds we know of as sparrows, Old World sparrows and New World Sparrows. They are from the families Passeridae and Passerellidae, respectively. Only Old World sparrows are known as true sparrows and it is these birds...

Rabbits can recognize their owners with the right level of care. Although they can be sensitive and timorous, rabbits are much more social animals than their reputation would sometimes suggest. In the wild, rabbits will create large and complex social groups. When living in captivity, they can forge very strong...

Bees are more than just diligent pollinators; they are intricate creatures with a complex life cycle and a clearly defined division of labor. In hives, each bee plays a specific role, contributing to the functioning and survival of the colony. Based on their respective castes within the hive, honey bees...

A cat purring on top of you is one of the most relaxing states in which we can find ourselves. The low hum of their contented purring benefits both cat and guardian, with the simple fact of spending time together encouraging their bond. The eagerness with which the cat will lay on top of their guardian...

Have you ever seen a cat curl back its upper lip and expose its front teeth and gums? Or a horse wrinkle its nose and take a deep breath, with its mouth slightly open? This behavior may seem strange, but it has a very important purpose: to help animals detect and process pheromones and other scents. In...

A cat sticking out their tongue can be a curious behavior which is often caught on video for memes. It gives the cat a strange appearance which can mimic similar human gestures. Although this can be funny to us, any behavior which is out of the ordinary for a cat must be understood in context. While most...

Teeth, in their various shapes and sizes, are nature's ingenious invention for processing food. They allow animals to tear, crush, and grind their meals, extracting vital nutrients for growth and energy. Mosquitoes, though lacking true teeth, possess a unique feeding apparatus that has evolved to serve...

The animals that can see in the dark are those which take what little light is present in their environment and enhance it for better night vision. They do this thanks to specially adapted eyes which have evolved morphologically to reflect light into receptor cells. Seeing in the dark allows animals...

Pigeons are ubiquitous birds found all over the world. They are often seen as pests, but these fascinating creatures have a rich and complex life cycle. Their lifespan is influenced by a variety of interconnected factors, including nutrition, healthcare, and environmental elements that mimic their natural...

Cats are known for their cleanliness, exhibiting meticulous grooming habits in their surroundings. If your cat has taken to grooming itself on you, you may wonder about the reasons behind this behavior. While it may seem unusual, this behavior aligns with typical feline actions like rubbing against...

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...

Towering over the African landscape, giraffes are not just the tallest land mammals on Earth, they are also captivating creatures with a rich history and complex social lives. Understanding the unique characteristics and threats faced by each subspecies is essential for effective conservation efforts. This...

Cockroaches are often seen at night, scurrying away once we turn on a light. This doesn't mean we don't see them during the day, but cockroaches are mainly nocturnal animals. Belonging to the order Blattodea, the ancestors of these insects date back approximately 300 million years. Although they are mainly...

Bees are flying insects belonging to the Apoidea superfamily. They are closely related to wasps and ants, and are known for their remarkable roles in pollination and, in the case of the widely recognized honeybee, honey production. But delve deeper, and you'll discover their legs. These aren't just walking...

Whether it is to jump, roll, play or even sleep, dogs love being on our bed. Since our bed is often the most comfortable place in the home, it makes sense that our dog might enjoy being there too. While comfort is an important reason why dogs love sleeping on our bed, it is only one reason dogs love...

Mysterious giants roaming the icy plains, polar bears, the world's largest land predators, reign supreme in the Arctic. Sadly, these impressive animals face an unsure future because of climate change. Understanding their fascinating lives and special abilities is vital, not only to protect them, but also...

There are many reasons why running with your dog is a fantastic idea! It goes beyond just getting some exercise; it offers a multitude of benefits for both of you. It's a fantastic way to get active, reduce stress, strengthen your bond, and create lasting memories with your dog. This AnimalWised article explores...