20 Amazing Animal Facts
With an estimated 7.77 million species of animals on the planet, the animal kingdom is an undeniably diverse place. However, while the breadth of earthly biodiversity may be well-known, the amazing things our animal counterparts do are often hidden to humans.
From furry creatures you never realized could use tools to those who enjoy getting tipsy, these amazing animal facts are sure to wow even the biggest animal lovers out there. And when you want to know how weird and wonderful the world really is, check out the 100 Awesome Facts About Everything!
1 Cows Have Best Friends
According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Northampton, cows have strong social bonds and display physical symptoms of stress when they’re away from their BFF. And when you want a companion of your own, This Is the Best Way to Make New Friends.
2 Pigeons Can Do Math
Research suggests that pigeons are capable of doing math at a similar level to monkeys. Think that’s amazing?
3 Zebra Stripes Work as Bug Repellent
Research published in the Journal of Experimental Biology suggests that zebras’ black and white stripes may be an evolutionary feature to fend off bugs.
4 Wild Chimps Like to Drink
Research published in Royal Society Open Science reveals that chimpanzees in Guinea had a fondness for imbibing fermented palm sap, getting tipsy in the process.
5 Sea Otters Are Adept at Using Tools
While many scientists believe that tool use among dolphins is a relatively new phenomenon, a study published in Biology Letters suggests that otters may have been using tools for millions of years.
6 Frogs Can Freeze Without Dying
According to a professor at Carleton University, they simply thaw out in the spring, good as new.
7 Male Horses Have More Teeth Than Their Female Counterparts
Male horses have 40 permanent teeth, while females have just 36.
8 Koalas Sleep Up to 22 Hours a Day
Koalas spend even more time napping than your average house cat.
9 A Group of Ferrets is Called a Business
However, it’s not because they’re so professional; it’s a modernized form of “busyness,” the word originally used to describe a group of these weasel-related mammals.
10 Octopuses Can Taste With Their Arms
They can detect flavorful molecules in the water using their suckers.
11 Dolphins Have Names for One Another
According to research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, bottlenose dolphins have specific names for one another.
12 Reindeer Eyes Turn Blue in the Winter
Their eyes become lighter in the winter to capture more sunlight.
13 Giraffes Have Black Tongues
Scientists believe that it’s so they don’t get sunburns while they eat.
14 Alligators Will Let Manatees Swim Ahead of Them
In busy waters, manatees will nudge alligators to get in front, and alligators generally oblige.
15 Sloths Can Take a Week to Digest Their Food
Everything about life is slow for these sleepy mammals.
16 Crocodiles Can Grow For More Than 30 Years
According to research published in Copeia, alligators often haven’t hit their full size until 33.
17 Cats Only Meow at Their Moms and Humans
Adult cats won’t meow to greet each other, but they will meow at their owners for food and cuddles.
18 Elephants and Humans Have Similar Self-Soothing Techniques
Elephant calves will suck their trunks to comfort themselves.
19 Female Bats Will Help Take Care of Other Bat Babies
It takes a village.
20 Sea Turtle Embryos Can Breathe Through Their Shells
Sea turtle eggshells are porous, allowing embryos to breathe through them.