11 Amazing Facts About Animals
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

11 Amazing Facts About Animals

We share this world with some pretty spectacular creatures

127
11 Amazing Facts About Animals
Pinterest

We share this earth with an innumerable species of animals. In fact, around 10,000 new species are discovered every year! Each species is unique in their own way. In honor of their uniqueness, here are eleven facts about animals.

1. Crocodiles carry their young in their mouths

Crocodiles are one of the few reptiles that actually care for their young. Despite having the most powerful jaws on the Earth, they are able to carefully transport their young in a throat patch.

2. (Wild) Lions make only 20 kills in a single year

When most people think of predators, they probably think of lions (among others). But the truth is, wild lions only make 20 kills in a year. Lionesses are responsible for 90% of these kills, and they eat mice, lizards, tortoises, warthogs, wildebeests, zebras, buffaloes, young elephants, rhinos, hippos, and giraffes

3. Only three mammals actually go through menopause

Humans, short-finned pilot whales, and killer whales. All other mammals reproduce until they die. No one knows why only these three go through menopause. One theory states that it is because they need to care for their existing children and grandchildren.

4. Squirrels plant thousand of trees each year because they forget where they plant their seeds

In preparation for hibernation, squirrels bury their acorns. Then, when they're ready to go to sleep for the winter, they dig up their food and go to bed. Except, not all of these acorns are dug up. Squirrels are capable of forgetting things too, which results in new trees.

5. Dolphins name each other

One of the most intelligent mammals is the dolphin. In 2013, it was discovered that they have names for each other! They use a unique whistle to identify each other. When a dolphin hears their own call (aka their "name"), they respond!

6. The Turritopsis dohrnii jellyfish is the only immortal creature

Discovered in 1883, this jellyfish is found in the Mediterranean Sea and in Japanese waters. They are able to literally cheat death at the last minute. Instead of dying, they can "renew themselves" and basically become young again.

7. Crows can talk

Crows are insanely smart: they can remember faces, play pranks on each other, take over the world, and leave gifts for people. Like parrots, they can mimic sounds. This includes human speech. So, basically crows can talk.

8. Male Gentoo and Adelie penguins "propose" to their mates

And you thought penguins couldn't get any cuter? Male Gentoo and Adelie penguins "propose" to their mates with a stone. If she accepts, she puts it in her nest and he becomes her mate. Both species of penguins also mate for life.

9. Tigers have striped skin (not just fur!)

Tigers are known for their beautiful stripes and orange (or sometimes white) fur. But they also have stripped skin! Their stripes basically help camouflage them; the stripes help breakup the outlines of their bodies, making them hard to see.

10. The slowest fish is the seahorse

Horses are fast. Seahorses? Not so much. Seahorses are classified as the slowest fish. Out of the 30 species, the Dwarf Seahorse is the slowest. It moves at just 0.001 miles per hour. In other words, it takes them an hour to move just five feet.

11. Killer Whales aren't actually whales

Despite their name, killer whales (aka orcas) aren't actually whales. They are actually dolphins! In fact, they are the largest species of dolphin.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

85917
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

51809
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments