Some of the most amazing creatures on the planet earth are animals. You can find animals on land, in the air, in the sea, or everywhere else for that matter. Every day we see animals and interact with them, even without us noticing.
When it comes to size, there are giants such as whales and elephants. There are also small creatures, so small that we hardly see them at all. There are ants, fleas, and even microscopic animals such as tardigrades. Since we share the world with animals, it’s best that we interact with each other in the best way possible. Without animals, human life would cease to exist.
As human beings have progressed, so has our relationship with animals. The wild dogs of the prairies are now our companions. Cats, feral as some are, have learned to live with us. Through domestication, human beings have developed a give and take relationship with animals. It’s through that relationship that we can live comfortably.
Without the meat that we get from certain animals, life would be dull. Without the milk we farm from cows, our health would suffer. It’s not just food that we get from them. We also get fur and other animal products, which are vital components to the everyday things that we love and use. With that said, we should treat our animal companions with respect they truly deserve. Here are some strange yet amazing animal facts that you should know about:
1. The Food That Never Spoils
Honey is a byproduct of an important process done by bees that, if threatened, would seriously wipe the entire human race off the planet. This is why the US government is serious when it comes to protecting honey bees. Bees are considered significant pollinators and are essential in plant life. Without it, plants would cease to grow, and life would be at a standstill.
As a byproduct of pollination, honey is produced. Honey is a unique substance that’s usually sticky. If you’re looking for a food that never spoils, then honey is the perfect example. That’s one of the several did you know facts about honey bees that you should know about.
2. Sleepyheads of the Outback
Australia is known for its two, most recognizable animals: Kangaroos and Koalas. Kangaroos are often found living in forests and fields in Australia. Koalas, on the other hand, are arboreal, which means they prefer living on trees.
Although Koalas can crawl on land, they prefer to live in trees closer to their food source. Koalas love eating eucalyptus leaves. Koalas will still eat other leaves and fruit, but eucalyptus leaves constitute a significant part of their diet. If you’re not familiar with eucalyptus, then try looking at your favorite sports rub. You’ll usually find eucalyptus as the main ingredient in such creams.
Because of that, eucalyptus leaves are often toxic. A koala’s digestive system needs to work extra hard to neutralize the toxins found in the leaves. The extra work is done by the digestive system of the koala often tires out the animal, which is why koalas will sleep at least 18 to 22 hours a day. It’s not uncommon to see a koala wake up for a few minutes, eat, and then go back to sleep.
3. Interesting Animal Group Names
When a group of animals gathers, we typically call them a specific name. For example, a group of cows is often called a herd. A group of fish is called a school. Lions gathered together is called a pride. Animals do this for several reasons, with safety being the most common reason. Here are some more interesting animal group names you should know about:
- Frogs – Army
- Giraffes – Tower
- Wolves – Pack
- Whales – Pod
- Elephants – Parade
- Crows – Murder
- Monkeys – Troop
4. The Most Dangerous Animal
If you ask people what they think is the most dangerous animal on the planet, they’d say it’s a lion, a shark, or any other apex predator in the wild. Although these animals are undoubtedly dangerous when encountered, they pale in comparison to the most dangerous animal to live on the planet.
The title of the most dangerous one goes to the mosquito. Believe it or not, these small pests are responsible for more than 700,000 deaths per year. Mosquitos often harbor hazardous viruses that can cause illnesses like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, encephalitis, and many more.
Only female mosquitoes bite because they need the blood to produce their eggs. They transmit disease through their bites. Male mosquitos, on the other hand, feed on nectar. The next time you visit another country, make sure you have mosquito repellant with you.
5. The Shortest Lifespans
Life and death is a regular occurrence in the animal kingdom. One time, you’ll see this animal, the next you won’t. This fact is especially true when it comes to certain species of moth. The luna moths don’t eat in their entire lifetime, which is approximately a week long. Mayflies live even shorter. When nymphs turn into a mayfly, they only live for a day.
6. Whales, Dolphins, Dugongs
Most of the time, people often associate these animals like fish. To finally set the record straight, whales, dolphins, dugongs, sea cows, manatees, and porpoises, are mammals. These animals are aquatic mammals as they can produce their own milk. Aquatic mammals also give live birth, as do most mammals.
7. Frogs, Salamanders, Toads
Another misconception that people make is that every animal that looks like a lizard and lives in the water is a reptile. Again, to finally set the record straight, frogs, salamanders, and toads are amphibians. It’s very easy to identify the difference between an amphibian and a lizard. The most telling difference is that amphibians don’t have scaly skin. This fact is true with turtles as well. Most people confuse them with amphibians, but in reality, they are reptiles.
Takeaway
Through domestication, some animals have become essential parts of our lives. Whether they’re our companions or a valuable resource, animals have been there for us. Even if they aren’t domesticated, animals still play an important role in nature. The facts mentioned above are some of the most exciting facts that you should know about our animal friends.
