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.
