By Hannah Bennett
| Published 3 weeks ago
The animal world is an incredible source of surprises for us. In order to honor the diverse ecosystems and intricate relationships that exist in natural habitats, we must learn more about animals. We invite you to join us in discovering some interesting facts about animals which are probably new to you.
Animals included in this slideshow have features and behaviors that people can often miss. These unnoticed characteristics demonstrate amazing adaptations that have taken place over time. These facts will further enhance your understanding and wonder of the animal kingdom.
Axolotl Regeneration: For example, the axolotl salamander species possess an unusual capability to regrow limbs, and even parts of the heart or brain. This particular quality has brought them much attention from researchers working in regenerative medicine. Scientists hope they can unlock secrets which will help make drugs for curing people’s wounds and illnesses.
Tardigrade Resilience: Tardigrades, which are commonly known as water bears, can withstand harsh environments like outer space vacuum and high radiation levels; besides, they survive at near zero temperatures up to over three hundred degrees Fahrenheit. This indicates their ability to live while other forms cannot live or exist because they would die immediately.
Pistol Shrimp’s Sonic Boom: The pincers of pistol shrimp snap so quickly that bubbles form around them after releasing them. This creates a loud sound comparable to 218 decibels. It can sometimes even exceeding gunshots. This astonishing feature not only helps them in stunning their prey as a hunting method but also serves as a means through which they communicate to their fellow mates.
Immortal Jellyfish: Turritopsis dohrnii is one of the famous immortal jellyfish; it can turn back the hands of time when growing old. This ability to avoid death by shifting into an earlier stage of existence has elicited much scientific interest regarding agelessness in other creatures.
Platypus Venom: Moreover, in male platypuses there are poison spurs situated at the hind legs used for stinging either prey or enemies painfully. This poisonous feature is rare among mammals making it an interesting subject for studying evolution of venom and its potential uses in medicine.
Narwhal’s Tusk: This aquatic mammal is sometimes called the “unicorn of the sea” because it has a long twisted tusk that is actually an elongated tooth and can be as long as ten feet thought to be for sensation purposes. This tusk might have nerve endings enabling narwhals observe changes in their surroundings hence surviving in freezing waters.
Cuttlefish Camouflage: At any moment, cuttlefish are capable of changing skin color, tone or pattern within less than a second. This extraordinary skill does not only protect them from predators, but also play significant roles towards attracting mates and determining social standings.