15 Unexpectedly Awwducational Facts About Animals
As people who love animals, we always, always want to learn more about them. We want to know everything that makes animal special, all the details about them that make us love them so much. We want to know why octopus sometimes punch fish for no reason. We want to know why people made little hammocks for cats to lounge in throughout history. We want to know the truth about fossils in the Appalachian mountains.
We could never take in everything, but we want as much as possible. Every fact about animals is cool and interesting, but some of our ultimately favorite ones come from the subreddit r/awwducational. Because learning and 'aww'ing at the same time is the best kind of learning.
-
1
Decorator crabs
"Decorator crabs pick up plants and animals in their environment and stick them onto their body to camouflage themselves and look fabulous."
-
Advertisement
-
2
Aardwolves
"Aardwolves are neither aardvarks nor wolves. They are actually related to hyenas, but with one big exception - aardwolves feed mainly on termites, around 200,000 a day. This diet helps aardwolves maintain their protein and moisture needs in some of the driest places in Africa."
-
3
Gharials
"Gharials fathers are extremely devoted to their young. Carrying over 100 hatchlings on his back and protecting them from predators."
-
4
Wolves
"The concept of alpha wolves is wrong, that concept was based on the old idea that wolves fight within a pack to gain dominance and that the winner is the 'alpha' wolf. However, most wolves who lead packs achieved their position simply by mating and producing pups, which then became their pack."
-
Advertisement
-
5
Wolves
"Some Wolves in British Columbia are known as "sea wolves" and they swim several miles every day to find food. As much as 90% of their diet comes from the sea. They have a distinct DNA that sets them apart from other wolves."
-
6
Dogs
"This breed of dog from India goes by many names, such as Pye-dog or Indian pariah dog or Indian street dog. But they are one of the oldest landrace breeds of dog in the world. Often living outside of human homes, consuming whatever food is left out for them, scraps, and animals they can catch."
-
7
Frigate birds
"A male Frigate bird blow up its red throat pouch during the breeding season to attract females."
-
Advertisement
-
8
Galapagos giant tortoises
"Baby Galapagos giant tortoise hatch weighing only 50 g (1.8 oz) and measure 6 cm (2.4 in). However, in 20-40 years' time, will grow up to 417 kg (919 lb) if they survive long enough. An adult Galapagos tortoise has no natural predators."
-
9
Dogs
"This doggy has vitiligo, which is the loss of pigmentation in patches of skin."
-
10
Willie wagtails
"Willie wagtails are a bird native to Australia, named after their tendency to dance around wagging their tails in the air. Despite their tiny size they're completely fearless and will attack much larger birds and animals, from eagles to kangaroos!"
-
Advertisement
-
11
Hoatzins
"The Hoatzin, or reptile bird, is a dinosaur native to the Amazon rainforest. Baby hoatzin climb around in the trees. If disturbed by a predator, they jump into the water below and swim to safety, climbing back up to the nest when the coast is clear."
-
12
Turtles
"Some turtles survive long periods under water (even hibernation) because they can breath through their butts (scientifically called: enteral or cloacal respiration)! Ain't that an awwwwwsome feature!"
-
13
Jumping spiders
"Jumping spiders are the largest family of spiders with over 6000 species. Instead of building webs, they use their superior vision to actively hunt for prey. Before jumping, they attach a silk safety line to whatever they're standing on. If they miss their target and fall, the line catches them."
-
Advertisement
-
14
Woylies
"The Woylie was abundant in the mid-19th century, inhabiting a range covering around 60% of the Australian mainland. Its population rapidly declined after the introduction of cats and red foxes and it is now a critically endangered species."
-
15
Hedgehogs
"Hedgehogs have an adorable relative; the gymnure (also called moon rat and hairy hedgehog). Despite of it's looks, gymnures are closest related to shrews and hedgehogs, and have been around for 15 million years."
Can't get enough of ICanHasCheezburger? Then you're in luck because we're now on Instagram!
For a weekly dose of animal-themed community challenges - Subscribe to our Newsletter!
Can't get enough of ICanHasCheezburger? Find us on Instagram!
Tags
Next on I Can Has Cheezburger?
Comments
Hot Today