Facts about the animal kingdom of All animals
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Hyenas are mammals of the carnivore order, taxonomically classified in the suborder Feliformia. Although phylogenetically closer to the felids and viverrids, hyenas resemble canids in behavior and morphology. Hyenas are generally associated with scavengers, but can also hunt live prey. Hyenas have several...
Although phylogenetically most closely related to cats, hyenas share many behavioral and morphological traits with dogs. Over time, there have been several genera of hyenas, but most of them have become extinct. Today, there are only four species left, making it the least common family of mammals. Despite...
Insects are the most diverse animals on the planet, of which more than a million species have been identified. Estimates indicate there is still between six to ten times this amount yet to be discovered. With such a wide distribution and diversity, they have inhabited practically every biome on the planet,...
Amphibians belong to a group of vertebrates with specific characteristics, because from the point of view of structure, they are between fish and reptiles, and because of this, they can live both on and off land in most cases. There are currently three types of amphibians, commonly known as frogs and...
The term killer whale is partly very apt. Although beautiful and fascinating marine mammals, they are intelligent and prolific hunters. Although they survive only in water, they are able to catch prey from land close to the water's edge. Their massive strength, sharp teeth and great intelligence make them...
Some animals have an intense coloration which can easily attract attention. Often these colorations can present in various patterns and shapes, with some animals looking as if they were painted by a Cubist artist. We can see these beautiful works of nature in frogs, butterflies, birds, insects and more....
In the suidae family are several species of animals commonly known as pigs and wild boars. In the latter family, the wild boar sus scrofa is usually referred to as a pig. There are other species that are referred to this way, such as the desert warthog ( Phacochoerus aethiopicus ) and the common warthog...
Mammals (Mammalia) are a class of vertebrates that includes many species, including humans and all other warm-blooded vertebrates. They are known to have more complex brains than other animals. They also have mammary glands to feed their young, which produce milk with the help of a neocortex. Most of...
Flies are a group of invertebrates that belong to the class Insecta and the order Diptera. The name Diptera derives from the Greek and means “two”. Flies are included in this group because unlike most insects, they have two wings instead of four. There are several species of flies and these are classified...
When we discuss mammals, it is common for us to think of terrestrial animals. For this reason, many of us still confuse some aquatic mammals for other vertebrate animals. This can be seen when people confuse whales as fish. However, if we look closer at marine mammals, we can see they have the fundamental...
Reptiles and amphibians belong to the group of vertebrate animals, more specifically, tetrapod animals. Tetrapod is a term to describe animals that use four limbs to move or to manipulate things. Reptiles were the first truly terrestrial vertebrates, while amphibians are a group with transient traits between...
We too often rank animals by speed or certain abilities without giving them the correct context. Some animals may be faster than others, but this is only because they have needed to adapt in the way they have. What is more important and more interesting is looking at how and why animals do the things...
The diversity of birds is incredibly vast, so it is interesting to wonder why some stand out in the public imagination. The swan is a bird which has come to have great significance for many cultures, its white plumage and graceful appearance making it a common wonder. However, many of us might not even know...
Slugs are animals belonging to the phylum Mollusca, a very large group of invertebrates which also includes animals as diverse as clams and octopuses. With such diversity, classifying these invertebrates is no easy task. It takes years of research and reviewing to define them taxonomically. Even when...
Both aquatic and terrestrial species of turtle are found in the order Testudines. They are easy to distinguish from other reptilian animals due to their carapace, an extension of their ribcage which helps protect their bodies underneath. Turtles need this protection as they are relatively slow-moving...
We associate certain animals with certain behaviors or characteristics. You can be as sly as a fox, as wise as an owl or have a memory like a fish. The last example is due to the commonly assumed fact that fish have very poor memories. However, the traits applied to such animals are generalizations...
Arthropods are the most diverse group of organisms on the planet, accounting for around 80% of all living animal species. Each individual species has adapted to their environment in certain ways. Some fly, some have long bodies and some have appendages which allow them to survive. The latter example can be...
We may associate mammals as a type of land animal. Since the vast majority of animals are terrestrial, we can understand. However, it leaves out important animals of the air and sea. In this AnimalWised article, we present one of the most recognizable of all aquatic mammals, the porpoise. You may know...
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...
Insects make up the largest taxonomic groupings of any animal with approximately 1 million known species. This makes the process of grouping them together a difficult task for scientists. Since some types of insect develop certain features they share with others, this can help us to group them correctly....
The quokka is an animal practically designed for social media. This is because they are adorable. Not only are they cute little mammals, but their morphology gives them an almost human-like smile which is not very common in the animal kingdom. Human interest in quokkas has gone further than simply making...
Although the diversity among birds is vast (think of the difference between a penguin and a hummingbird), it is true there are some bird species which closely resemble each other. Sometimes we can't even tell the difference until we are up close. To understand the difference between these birds, we can look...
The word ‘lizard’ covers a great variety of reptile groups which can be found in different types of habitats, almost anywhere in the world. This is why these animals are often present in our homes. This is especially so if we have gardens, orchards or any place they can enjoy the right conditions for...
In this AnimalWised article, we want to address a common doubt about animals which can enter our home. While we may see rats, mice and insects as nuisance pests, lizards can often be more welcome guests into our home. Unless you have a particular fear of lizards, they often seem to be more docile and we...
Every culture across the world and its history has used animals in their folklore and mythology. The natural world is an inspiring place in many ways, so it is understandable we might see different cultures let their imagination run wild. But how much of these legends are based on actual creatures?...
When we think of trunked animals, the first we might think of is the elephant. This large mammal has a large appendage sprouting from their face which is known as a proboscis. However, there are other animals with trunks of varying size, some of which appear in place of a nose or seem to emanate from...
The natural world never fails to amaze us with the wide range of fascinating animal behaviors. The incredible feats some animals can perform with only their instinct to guide are incredible and can help us humans better understand the world around us. These behaviors don't occur in a vacuum. They are...
Invertebrate animals are those that do not have a backbone. The majority of the world's animals are found in this group, representing 95% of the existing species. Being the most diverse group within this kingdom, its categorization has become very difficult.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to...
There are two types of reproduction in the animal kingdom, asexual and sexual reproduction. Whereas asexual reproduction doesn't involve the fusion of gametes, sexual reproduction does, thus resulting in an offspring genetically different to its parents. This type of reproduction can also be found in...
There are different types of reproduction in the animal kingdom, and even different modes of reproduction. However, in this AnimalWised article we're going to talk about asexual reproduction in animals.
We're going to explain the definition of asexual reproduction, its different types and we'll also give...
The different modes of reproduction in animals is classified based on how they give birth to their young, this includes viviparous, oviparous and ovoviviparous. Apart from this, animals also have different types of reproduction, whether it is sexual or asexual.
In this AnimalWised article we're going...
Sea urchins are small sea creatures with spiked skin. If you ever wondered what they are or what types of sea urchins there are in our mysterious oceans, you've come to the right place!
In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain the main characteristics of sea urchins and the different types of sea...
Blue-ringed octopus are small and adorable octopus mostly found in Australia's coral reef. Despite their innocent appearance, these little sea creatures are actually quite dangerous.
In this AnimalWised article, we're going to dive deeper into blue-ringed octopus, what they eat, their toxicity and more!
Starfish are fascinating sea creatures full of mysteries. In this AnimalWised article, we're going to explain how starfish breathe.
We'll go through their unique anatomy and explain how these sea stars breathe underwater and above water. Keep reading to learn more!
Starfish are very interesting sea creatures. Due to their unique lifestyle, these animals multiply in a very peculiar and interesting way. They have sexual reproduction, like us, although they also proliferate asexually, that is, they make copies of themselves.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to...
Ladybugs are beautiful insects we often find flying around the garden. However, many of us don't know much about them. If you've been asking yourself questions such as, what do ladybugs eat or how long do they live for, you've come to the right place.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to talk...
The eagle is an important animal to various countries. They represent strength, freedom and perseverance, among many others. Although we might think of many things when think about eagles, what do they look like in your mind? For many it is the bald eagle with their white dome and piercing eyes. However,...
The deep sea is full of interesting and weird animals. Many of them seem to come from a horror movie as they share certain characteristics such as large teeth, blindness or even transparent skin. Little is known about this ocean layer however marinebiologists are now making more expeditions in order to...
Snakes are vertebrate and ectothermic animals. They are also one of the few organisms that propel themselves by sliding their bodies on the ground. This movement is called slithering. It's extraordinary how snakes are able to move their limbless bodies through various terrains including rocks, sand,...
Water birds are a group of birds which make up one of the most charismatic fauna which inhabit wetlands. There are many types of birds which live on and around bodies of water. Some water bird species are not fully adapted to the aquatic environment and only use these locations part of the year, depending...
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