Facts about the animal kingdom of All animals
219 articles
As with terrestrial animals, fish need oxygen to live. Unlike land animals, they have to live the majority of their lives completely submerged underwater. We lung users might be biased on our ideas about breathing. It is true that we have evolved to the point we can breathe on land, but the over 33,000...
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...
If we spot a long eared little mammal running across a meadow, it's not always easy to tell if it is a rabbit or hare. In fact, we have to look at the taxonomic classification of these two species to see how they differentiate. If you ask yourself how closely related are rabbits and hares, then it is important...
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...
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...
All living beings need to adapt to their environment to survive. These environments are as wide ranging as life itself, whether underwater, in a desert or even in the body of another living being. Helping to better understand these types of adaptations, we can place them all in three major categories:
Physiolog...
All living beings perform some sort of function. While we may not think of every creature on the planet as being important, they all work together to fulfill a role in any given ecosystem. We may not be aware of what this function is, but without it, said ecosystem will be affected. Whether or not the role...
Transgenic animals are animals that have been cloned. The medical and biotechnological uses of animal cloning are almost innumerable, as many diseases have been eradicated thanks to the production of these transgenic animals. Due to the controversial concept of cloning and scientific testing on animals,...
Fish experience reproduction in one of two ways. These processes include fertilization inside or outside the body. Fish are either ovoviviparous, viviparous or oviparous. Additionally, it is important to note that reproduction can also change according to the fish’s environment, specifically if it lives in...
In an ideal world, there would be no need for volunteering. For animal shelters, the reality is that animal neglect and abuse has lead to a vast surplus of abandoned and mistreated animals. With resources for all community services being overstretched, it is no understatement to say that many animal...
In nature there are several reproductive strategies one of them being oviparous. You should know that there are many animals which follow this reproductive path, these animals also appeared much earlier in evolutionary history than viviparous animals.
If you want to know what oviparous animals are, find...
Within the great group of viviparous we find different reproductive strategies, each holding different names. In this AnimalWised article we are going to explain them and explore certain facts which are worth knowing. We aim to make clear the difference between viviparous animals and mammals.
In general,...
Children can create strong bonds with pets. In fact, it is said that majority of young children consider theirs pet as their best friends. However, whether due to an illness, an accident or simply old age: our animal companions pass away. This natural process of life and death can introduce children to a very...
All of the beings on earth are nourished in different ways. One of the main reasons for this nourishment is to turn it into energy for their physical activity. We know that animals get this nourishment from eating food, but what happens with other beings such as algae which don't have a mouth and/or...
All living organisms are classified into five kingdoms, from small bacteria to humans. This classification holds fundamental foundations which scientist Robert Whittaker established. They have also contributed enormously to the study of living beings on earth.
Do you want to know more about the 5 kingdom...
In nature we have a vast range of ecosystems, much of our understanding of which is limited. Throughout these ecosystems individual species create bonds and establish relationships, whether they be from their own species or that of another. From multicellular animals like us humans to the bacteria which...
Vampires and gods have only one thing in common: the conscious manifestation of our inherent fear of absolute emptiness, represented by death. However, nature has created really amazing life forms that flirt with immortality, while other species experience a fleeting existence.
If this topic has caused...
Understanding more than one language in today's age is incredibly important. Whether for work, studies or self-fulfillment, languages are important in communicating fairly and equally with the rest of the world. Language allows for deeper connection between people and a greater understanding of different cultures.
Are...
We all have the potential to be cruel. Some of us act on it more than others, but where this cruelty is directed can say a lot about an individual. The way in which a human treats their pets and other animals reflects something about their psychological well-being. Although a sad and frustrating indictment...
Splooting in dogs is a relatively new term for an ancient phenomenon. It is the process by which an animal can spread themselves out on the ground as flat as possible with their legs outstretched. Social media has been awash with this fascinating phenomenon in the form of videos and photos. The reason...
Have you ever stopped to imagine how our 5 senses as humans help us perceive the world? Due to the difference in anatomical structure between animals and humans, our perception of the world differs. We see color differently and many animals, due to evolution, have gained senses which have been specifically...
Viviparity is a form of reproduction that is found in most mammalian creatures as well as some reptiles, fish and amphibians. It isn't, however, limited to the animal kingdom as viviparous plants also exist. Viviparity is a term which has some variation, but is generally accepted to refer to live birth of...
Today, we'd like to take the opportunities to share some highly compelling stories, those that are not usually told in the media, but that definitely make this world a better place, as it is not only humans that have acts of kindness and bravery, more often than not, animals are the kindest and altruistic creatures...
One of the reasons Harry Potter remains so popular is because the world J.K Rowling brought to life is populated with such amazing characters. While we are enchanted with the story of the boy wizard and his cohorts, they come across many animals, both real animals and fantastic beasts. We thought about...
There are an estimated two million species of animals in the world. Some, like dogs or cats, can be seen almost daily in our cities and we know endless facts about them, but there are less common animals that are full of curious facts.
This is the case of ovoviviparous animals, which have a certainly strange...
The concept of astrological spirit animals is an intriguing and symbolic dimension that adds depth to our understanding of our zodiac signs. Each zodiac sign is associated with a particular spirit animal that embodies the unique qualities, characteristics and energies of that sign. For example, Aries,...
Just like human babies, the younger an animal is, the more tender and cute they are. Nature is so magical and incredible that it has made some creatures look this way for their whole life. Most of these animals are unique and very delicate, living in remote areas, as far as possible from any human development...
Contrary to what many believe, there are many very shy and peaceful animals that are extraordinarily lethal. A sample is the sea serpent, who will flee before creatures that do not enter into their food alternative. Another example is the stoat, a diminutive being of only 300g, capable of successfully...
Vertebrates and Invertebrates are the 2 main types of animals. To put it simply, invertebrates have no backbone and vertebrates have a highly-evolved internal skeleton and skull to enclose their well developed brain. This backbone is also known as a vertebral column (or spinal column in humans and other animals)....
All animals living on earth are beautiful. The diversity on our planet is practically endless with different sizes, shapes, characteristics and colours. Thanks to these beautiful animals living in all environments, the world is a more pleasant, mysterious and interesting place.
AnimalWised wanted to...
Lots of fly species are from the Midwest. One of these is the bluebottle fly, a fly that we commonly find inhabiting our home. This leads us to wonder, are blue bottle flies dangerous?
In this AnimalWised article we will explain
The dead truth about why these inhabit your house can be quite deadening...
There are 13 genera of wolf spiders in the United States alone. Belonging to the Hogna genus, the million dollar question is “are wolf spiders venomous?” given their large numbers in the woods and natural protected areas. With 125 species of wolf spiders in the US, this AnimalWised article will provide...
During the Iraq war in 2003, a new internet sensation hit the online world– the Camel Spider. Stories about how camel spiders are venomous began to abound on the Internet. Many of the rumors also displayed the spiders to be about ½ the size of a human. But, the truth (as they say) is stranger than fiction....
Humankind loves animals - and as a result, they appear in many of the most beloved stories of all times. Animals, from dogs to snakes, play a very important role in popular culture: they have been and continue to be the inspiration for myths, tales and films that are ingrained into our collective memory.
In...
Fossorial and subfossorial animals are those that live underground, digging tunnels and burrows. Some of them are completely subterranean, while others come up to the surface for some hours of the day.
There are many types of fossorial animals, from mammals to invertebrates, as well as other organisms such...
When we talk about "legendary creatures" we refer to the fantastic animals and hybrids that play a leading role as villains, heroes or helpers in the myths and legends that form part of our culture's folklore, and therefore of our history.
Since these creatures never really existed - or, at least, their...
Are there venomous spiders in the UK? Yes, but don't worry too much. These spiders are very timid and will only bite you as a last resort of self-defense. Nevertheless, let's take a look at the venomous spiders we can find in the UK.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to list the different species...
India is what is called a "megadiverse country", as it harbors an amazingly high number of endemic species. In fact, it is home to more than 6% of all the reptile species in the world, and even more than that if we talk only about snakes.
There are more than 270 different snake species in India, and...
Snakes are rare in the United Kingdom: while you can find other reptiles relatively easy, such as sand lizards or turtles, there are only three species native to the British Isles - more specifically to Great Britain, as Ireland - including Northern Ireland - is famously snake-free.
Are there venomous...
The state of Texas is home to many snake species, some of them venomous: these include the cottonmouth, the copperhead, the Western rattlesnake, the timber rattlesnake, the blacktail rattlesnake, the Western diamondback rattlesnake, the Massagauga pygmy rattlesnake and the harlequin coral snake.
However,...
Snakes play a vital role in the natural system and ecosystem balance, but humans are often afraid of them, which is no surprise as the bite of some species can be fatal. Close to fifty species of snakes are endemic to Florida, but only a few of them are known to be toxic and dangerous for human beings.
Common...
The Lion Capital of Ashoka at the Buddhist city of Sarnath was adopted as the National Emblem of India on 26th January 1950. It is adorned with the immortal lines Satyameva Jayate - "truth alone triumphs" in Devanagari - excerpted from the Mundaka Upanishads of the Hindu Vedas. Animals preside over the...
We tend to assume that it's always the mother who takes care of her offspring, but in fact there are many species in which the father does everything within his reach to help his young survive, nurtures them, and ensures they stay healthy and happy.
In this AnimalWised article we'll list the 10 best animal dads:...
All animals have evolved skills that help them survive in their environment. However, some animals have an extraordinary physical power that makes them true athletes. Some animals, for instance, can jump very high or for a very long distance. Of course, we are discussing animals without wings to fly.
How...
The sacred bull Nandi or Nandin is the vehicle and gatekeeper of Hindu deity Lord Shiva, the creator, which is why it is enshrined in the form of statue at Hindu Shiv temples. The revered Nandi is the reason why bulls are considered sacred vahanas or vehicles of Lord Shiva.
In the ancient Hindu treatise...
Emperor Ashoka, who reigned the Indian subcontinent between 268-223 BC, is known as Ashoka the Great. What makes him one of the greatest Indian kings in history is the beautiful edicts he propounded after witnessing the bloodshed caused by his military conquests.
The wise king embraced Buddhism after seeing...
Each country has their own national animal. In the United States there is also a corresponding state animal, including a mammal, fish, dog or even reptile.
In this AnimalWised article, we're going to give you a complete list of all the state animals and national animals of the United States. Continue...
The Himalayas, also called the Abode of the Gods, are the longest and highest mountain range in the world. The Himalayan mountain range stretches over 1,500 miles and covers the nations of Nepal and Bhutan, as well as the south of Tibet and the north of India; this range is at least 70 million years old.
Home...
The slowest animals in the world are so sluggish because they don't always need to move fast. Whether this is because they don't have many predators or they have better ways of protecting themselves than fast movement, these animals spend most of their time either moving minutely or not moving at all. These...
Some creatures seem to be almost as old as planet Earth itself. Although they aren't, it's true that some animal species have survived the most extreme circumstances, from natural disasters to mass extinctions. They are often referred to as "living fossils".
They have been able to survive by evolving particular...