Facts about the animal kingdom

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...

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...

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...

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,...

The weever is any of the various fish species of the genus Trachinus. Eight individual extant species are currently recognized. Although they have certain differences, each share certain characteristics. Perhaps most notable is their ability to sting with venom due to the presence of spines on their dorsal...

Indonesia, a vast group of islands between Southeast Asia and Oceania, has an amazing variety of wildlife. Its location near the equator and diverse landscapes, like rainforests and coastal mangroves, make it a perfect home for many species. However, this natural wealth is in danger. Many of Indonesia's...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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"...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...