These polygamist owls are baffling scientists for more than one reason
They say it takes a village to raise a child. But whoever “they” are probably meant the phrase to apply to human babies—not little owlets still living in their nests. So imagine scientists’ surprise when they accidentally discovered two great horned owl chicks being raised by a father, a mother… and another mother. That’s a … Continued
10 mind-boggling facts about the common cow
The threat of extinction is real, especially for the larger mammals out there. Roughly 13,000 years ago there were more species of mammals in North America than in modern-day Africa, according to Scientific American, but as soon as humans began to show up only the smaller species prevailed. If the trend continues, scientists estimate that … Continued
Cuttlefish use Hypnosis to Hunt
Cuttlefish are the disco parties of the sea, but not a party you’d ever want to attend, you know, because of all the death. Check out Brilliant (and get 20% off) here: https://brilliant.org/animalogic/
Scientists have found a new species of exploding ants
Spock may have been on to something when he explained how the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Indeed, that utilitarian way of thinking could explain why a newly discovered species of ants in the tropical rainforests of South-East Asia basically explode when threatened. Scientists discover thousands of new species every year, … Continued
Why are sloths so slow?
Sloths move so slowly that they are able to support entire ecosystems in their fur. Also, they only poop once a week.
10 plastic products that are ruining the planet
We love our plastic, there’s no denying it. It’s strong, it’s durable, it’s convenient and it can be shaped into myriad shapes, which is why it was hailed as a wondrous material back in the 1950s. Fast forward 60 years, and it’s also ruining our planet. Today, there’s an estimated 5.25 trillion plastic particles weighing … Continued
10 of the weirdest endangered animals on the planet
Depending on your point of view, the world might be overrun with domestic animals (a 2011 report suggested there are a whopping 19 billion chickens on the planet, for example). But when it comes to some of the rarer critters out there, the endangered species list seems to grow longer and longer with each passing … Continued
Leopards are masters of stealth
Leopards are the world’s most versatile and stealthiest hunters. They have the largest range of all the big cats, yet despite this, they are disappearing from this planet a little quicker every year.
Shrimp may be the key to stabilizing the ocean
Shrimp may be some of the tiniest creatures in the water, but when it comes to the all-important tasks of mixing up the ocean layers and transporting nutrients, shrimp and krill may pack a bigger punch than we originally thought. And you thought jumbo shrimp was an oxymoron. New research published in Nature suggests that tiny … Continued
Wolverines Are the Honey Badgers of the North
Sharp claws. Sharp teeth. Bad attitude. Move over Honey Badger, there’s a new badass in town.
A punk, butt-breathing turtle is facing extinction
If reptiles were rock stars, Australia’s Mary River turtle would certainly be the poster child. With two spikes under its chin, a tuft of bright green “hair” resembling a Mohawk, and the ability to breathe through its genitals, this reptile might have more showmanship than Gene Simmons. It’s also officially endangered. The Zoological Society of … Continued
12 tiny and adorable bugs who will change the way you look at insects
Not a fan of insects? We can’t really blame you—creepy crawlies are repeatedly portrayed as ugly, scary, dangerous or downright boring. But take some time to get to know a few species from the mindbogglingly massive world of invertebrates, and you’ll be amazed at how adorable these minibeasts can be. To aid you on your insect … Continued
Everything about the platypus is weird
The platypus looks like a science experiment gone wrong, but in reality, it’s much cooler than the Pokemon it inspired.
Komodo Dragon: The Ultimate Apex Predator
They can’t breathe fire but their venomous bite will leave you dead in your tracks.
Explore 10 awe-inspiring features of Iceland’s volcanic landscape
A place where some of Europe’s biggest glaciers meet the continent’s hottest volcanic springs, Iceland is often known as the Land of Fire and Ice. This island of extremes was formed about 25 million years ago, making it one of the youngest landmasses on the planet. But as a hotbed of geological activity, the volcanic … Continued
7 surprising facts about hippos that you probably didn’t know
Most people know that hippos are large, live in water, wallow in mud and eat a whole lot. But apart from those things, is there anything particularly interesting about these whopping African mammals? As it turns out, yes. We’ve gathered some of the most intriguing nuggets of information about the humble hippopotamus, so you can … Continued
10 migrating shorebirds you’re bound to spot along The Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy is a key resting and refuelling stopover for millions of migrating shorebirds headed to their wintering grounds. These birds begin to appear in the Bay of Fundy’s intertidal and coastal areas in early July, steadily increasing until mid-August, when massive flocks of birds can be found swooping through the region’s skies … Continued
Is this opossum dead?
Opossums can play dead really, really well. Trust me. It’s science.
Swans mourn their dead
The story of the misunderstood royal giants of water fowl, the swan.
Africa's deadliest poop sprinkler
Hippos are not cute. They are Africa’s deadliest killer. They also like to spray their poop like a sprinkler.
Grizzly Bears: Behemoths of the North
Grizzly bears are a confusing, awe inspiring species that plug their butts during hibernation. You asked for it.
From MGM stars to man-eaters: 10 of the most famous lions throughout history
Lions (Panthera leo) are some of the most iconic creatures on Earth. Unusual among big cats for both their social behaviour and striking sexual dimorphism, these ‘kings of beasts’ have been important to humans since the dawn of mankind. Some lions have even managed to transcend the general notoriety of their species to stake out … Continued
The Explosive Sex Life of The Duck
Ducks are waging an evolutionary war of the sexes.
Can Scorpions Help Fight Cancer?
Scorpion venom can be lethal, but did you know that it may hold the cure for cancer?
The definitive directory of dominant females
Males are typically thought of as the stronger sex, the provider and the protector, yet this is a view that is changing. For humans, the lack of female world leaders and inequality in certain aspects of life leads many to believe it very much remains a man’s world, at least for now. But for a … Continued
Was the T-Rex Feathered?
We all know that the magnificent 68-million-year-old T-Rex was one of the most ruthless predators on the Cretaceous block. What you may not know is that this colossal carnivorous beast may have been covered in a luxurious layer of fluffy feathers.