Facts about the animal kingdom

When we think of the mongoose, many of us might picture a ferret-like creature which is known for attacking snakes. However, the animal we call a mongoose is actually a term used for all the mammals in the Herpestidae family. This is a more diverse group of animals than you might think. It even includes...

Also known as orcas, killer whales (Orcinus orca) are marine mammals in the group known as cetaceans. Although they have the word ‘whale’ in their common name, orcas are actually considered a type of dolphin. However, the word ‘killer’ is fairly accurate. While they are highly appreciated for their beautiful...

Some animals are almost defined by a certain characteristic. While this can be somewhat reductive, the reason it happens is because these animals may have a feature which is so unique, we can't help but associate them with it. Such is the case with the giraffe. There are many fascinating facts about giraffes...

Birds are indeed renowned for their diverse and remarkable characteristics, including their captivating plumage and melodic songs. However, their most distinctive feature is undoubtedly their ability to fly. While most birds possess this incredible skill, there are exceptions such as flightless birds...

New Zealand, renowned for its stunning landscapes and unique biodiversity, is home to a remarkable array of wildlife. Isolated from the rest of the world for millions of years, this island nation has developed a distinctive ecosystem with many species found nowhere else on Earth. The country's animal...

The ocean teems with a diverse array of life, including the mesmerizing -and feared- jellyfish. Among these gelatinous creatures, the fried egg jellyfish is instantly recognizable for its distinctive appearance. While their beauty is undeniable, a common concern for water enthusiasts is the potential...

Sharks, with their ancient lineage and diverse species, have lifespans that vary widely, from just a few decades to over a century. Understanding the secrets of shark lifespan offers a unique window into the remarkable adaptability of these apex predators and the intricacies of their life cycles. From their...

The Peruvian Inca Orchid and the Xoloitzcuintle are two dog breeds that are often confused with each other. This is understandable since they have many key characteristics which are similar. They are both from Latin America, an area of the world from which only a minority of recognized breeds originate....

Animals that are solitary are those which have minimal interaction with other members of their species. This is in comparison to gregarious animals which live in social groups, although the size of these groups can vary greatly. Living in groups allows animals to pool resources to find food and provide...

Beavers are large rodents which belong to the Castoridae family. They are characterized by their unique ability to transform aquatic landscapes through the construction of dams and lodges. While their populations are spread throughout various types of habitat, they always live near bodies of water. This...

When a male dog mates with a female, the copulation process involves a period where the two dogs are stuck together. This is due to engorgement of the genitals and its purpose is to ensure that as much sperm as possible can be introduced to have the best chance of egg fertilization. When intertwined, the...

Also known as the man-o-war or bluebottle, the Portuguese man o' war (Physalia physalis) is a species of cnidarian. This means it is in the same taxonomic phylum as jellyfish, corals and sea anemones. Despite bearing similarities to jellyfish, these marine animals are actually hydrozoans. It is actually...

You’ve probably noticed that your dog loves to sleep in a specific position. But have you every wondered what the meaning of this dog sleeping position is? Firstly, it is important to remember that an adequate amount of good sleep is necessary for a dog’s well-being. Therefore, we suggest respecting your...

Because of their adorable appearance and their restless nature, hamsters often attract attention and arouse a lot of curiosity, especially among children. However, it is very important to inform yourself about everything you need to know about hamsters before adopting one. Once all the important hamster...

Cats have a reputation of being frightened easily. So much so it has lead to the phrase ‘scaredy-cat’. However, some of the things that scare cats the most might be something you haven't considered before. You may be unaware you have been scaring them which has lead to cat anxiety. This is why AnimalWised...

There's a reason why dogs don't normally wear shoes. The soles of their feet are durable enough for them to walk across different terrain. If we were to go out in the snow without shoes, we wouldn't last very long. Huskies somehow manage to trek across snowy terrain on their paws alone. And yet, a dog's...

Categorizing nature is a worthwhile endeavor. It allows us to see the interconnectedness of all nature and helps us to understand not only where we came from, but where we might be going. It engenders respect for all living beings. Categorization is also not easy and sometimes nature throws a spanner in...

We know that adopting a cat, regardless of breed, color, sex or age, is an act of pure love. In addition, cat adoption gives us the opportunity to live with a charming, caring and beautiful animal. How often have you been genuinely surprised by the skills and abilities that your cat has presented? There...

Clams are bivalve mollusks that play an essential role in aquatic ecosystems. They contribute to their habitats not only by providing a food source for other animals, but also in water filtration, nutrient recycling and other important benefits. They can do so thanks to a specialized anatomy which is...

Contrary to popular belief, sharks don't sleep in the same way humans or other land animals do.Their unique aquatic environment and physiological adaptations have resulted in a distinct approach to rest. Rather than experiencing deep, unconscious slumber, sharks engage in periods of reduced activity. This...

Jellyfish are captivating and diverse marine creatures that belong to the phylum Cnidaria, which also includes corals and sea anemones. Jellyfish are known for their unique stinging cells called cnidocytes, which contain venomous structures. While many species are harmless and pose little threat to humans,...

Black cats, perhaps more than any other type of cat, evoke such a response in we humans. Culturally, black cats have appeared in folk tales, art, films, internet memes and much more. This is not to say that the image of a black cat means to same to all cultures. Some see black cats as ominous figures,...

The slow movement of the sloth is where they derive their name, first being used in English in the early 17th century[1]. Since then they have captivated animal lovers across the world. Their slowness also connotes gentleness and it is hard to argue the docile grin they display isn't one of the most endearing...

We might stereotype people who watch funny cat videos as people who are easily distracted or who don't have enough taste to do something more productive, but we all know it's not true. Cat videos are for all. This is partly because there are many different types of cat videos. Some are boring and inane....

Our responsibility when adopting a dog is feeding, watering and caring for their basic needs. Our joy when living with a dog is getting to give them all the love they deserve. This means pampering when we can, giving them plenty of caresses and petting them like crazy. Fortunately, for most dogs, this is...

Cats are well-known for enjoying heights. With their supreme jumping ability, it would seem a shame not to use their natural skills. Cats will not only jump up to high places, but they can spend long periods sleeping there. It is a behavior of both cats in the wild and domestic cats. Although the impulse...

When our dog wants to lay their head on us, it is almost impossible to resist. Even when we are busy, the expression of closeness means we don't want to deny it. There is good reason why we enjoy our dog laying our head on us. As an expression of the bond between us, it can help reduce stress and improve...

In recent years, the definition of ‘ungulate’ has been up for debate. The debate centers around which animals should be categorized under this term as it is a word applicable to a diverse range of mammals. A common ancestor is believed to link the animals together, but some zoologists and taxonomists disagree...

There are currently 8 different types of bear species in the world. We use the word ‘currently’ for the sad reason that some species are no longer with us and others have dwindling populations. Part of the reason for this is due to the complex relationship bears have with their environment. These environments...

Australia, as you probably already know, is rich with incredible fauna. From the famous Kangaroo to dingoes to freshwater crocodiles, Australia’s animal world is incredibly diverse! Did you know that many Australian animals, having evolved in an environment devoid of predators, are extremely confident despite...

Dogs, like all animal species, have a different way of expressing themselves. Dogs use specific body language and vocal sounds to communicate their mood and feelings. As dog tutors, it is important to both understand and respect canine nature in order to learn to communicate better with our furry friends....

The North Pole is one of the most mysterious and inhospitable places on planet Earth. The Arctic North Pole, situated in the Northern hemisphere, is known for its extreme weather, climate and incredibly diverse fauna and flora. But which animals make up this full list of arctic animals living in the North...

Since we were little we have been taught that, just like a cat ‘meows,’ a horse neighs. Have you also heard of a horse’s whinny? It’s important to know, however, that there is a slight difference between a horse’s neigh and whinny, which is usually lower in both pitch and frequency. If you are wanting to...

Bats have inspired myths and stories for generations. Their reputation is as a vile creature, dirty in its own right and linked to mysterious creatures of the underworld. They are the one animal Ace Ventura, defender of the entire animal kingdom, couldn't stand. Part of their reputation is that some bats...

It is estimated that dogs and humans have lived together for around 3,000 years. Despite our long and happy time together, there are still some new discoveries to be made. Every year new studies in canine ethology are produced, enlightening us about a dog's biology and behavior. Some of these revelations...

Beavers are iconic mammals renowned for their incredible engineering skills and aquatic lifestyle. These large rodents are native to North America and Eurasia, where they play a vital role in shaping their environment. Their dam-building activities create wetlands, which are crucial habitats for a diverse...

Dogs are complex, fascinating and interesting animals that do things which sometimes, we as humans, do not quite understand. One of the most common dog habits which people tend to question is butt smelling. ‘‘Why do dogs sniff each other’s butts?’’ Did you know that the main reason dogs smell each other’s...

Insectivorous or entomophagous animals base their diet, or part of it, on the consumption of insects. There is a great variety of animals that eat insects, from amphibians to mammals. These animals obtain an important source of protein from these insects, needed to live a healthy life. But which are the...

Even for those who have kept rabbits as pets for a long time, it is common to refer to them as rodents. As a small furry animal which runs about on all fours, they bear certain similarities to other rodents such as mice, shrews and rats. In behavior, they procreate rapidly, gnaw continuously and live in...

The anatomy of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) is something which is difficult to qualify. The main reason for this is because there are so many dog breeds in the world. More than 300 are officially recognized by standardization bodies such as the FCI as well as the many mixed breed variants which...

Animals with scales, hair and/or feathers have evolved in such a way that these features aid in protecting them and helping them maneuver among their environment. For example, animals with scales use this characteristic feature to help them move comfortably and safely as well as protect moisture loss in...

All animals need periods of rest to help conserve energy and maintain life. While this rest takes many forms, one of the most important types is a state of sleep. However, not all animals sleep in the same way or for the same length of time. For example, many ungulate prey animals sleep for very short...

Each and every animal species and/or plant type in nature carry the responsibility of fulfilling a specific function. These functions allow for both the conservation and balance of the ecosystem to which they belong. Pollination, for example, which refers to the transfer of pollen from a male anther...

Crabs are highly evolved arthropod animals. While we may associate crabs most often with the sea, there are fresh water crabs and land crabs which live outside of the world's oceans. Some have adapted certain abilities to spend time both on land and in water. It is not only this type of adaptability...

Trophic levels are analyzed and studied under the discipline of ecology, a subset of biology. This is the science which studies the relationships established between an environment and the organisms within it. This includes the relationships and interactions the species within these environments have with...

Do you know how reptiles breathe? Reptiles have varied anatomies that adapt according to their appropriate environment. Reptiles are either or both terrestrial and marine animals and for this reason, depending on the species, they carry different mechanisms which allow them to breathe. Keep reading...

Would you think it strange if we were born with horns? We might think they would get in the way, but many horned animals seem to be able to put them to good use. Not all horns are the same. There are different types of animal horns. Some are long, some curly, others are stubby and don't seem to have...

Human beings have spent centuries studying animal behavior. Ethology, which defines this specific scientific discipline, aims among other things, to distinguish whether animals think or not. Humans generally assume that the main difference between animals and humans is the level of intelligence, but is this...

This world is made up of a variety of animals which each carry incredibly unique characteristics. There are, however, many animal species that resemble each other and are easily confused. The raccoon, for example, is among these animal species that are often confused with their ‘‘distant cousins.’’ For...

Cetaceans are marine mammals most commonly know for their presence in mythical stories and ancient legends. Cetaceans are considered the most peculiar of all mammal orders. Unfortunately however, with the passing of time, these animals are slowly disappearing...but why? For more about cetacean examples,...