From remarkable senses to unexpected survival strategies, explore what animals do, how their bodies work and why the science matters.
Follow a question into the right kind of science. Each section opens an existing collection of guides.
Explore the latest articles on surprising biology, behavior and how the natural world works.
When you're spending time outdoors, you might encounter a variety of stinging insects. Among the most common are hornets, yellow jackets, and wasps. While they might seem similar at first glance, there are some important diffe···
Read the story →
Having your dog pee on your bed can be confusing, frustrating, and even upsetting. However, it’s important to understand that dogs usually aren’t doing this out of spite or because they’re “angry.” Dogs have different reasons···
Read the story →
If you've ever heard of a creature so fearsome that it could kill with just a glance, then you're familiar with one of the most fascinating legends of mythology: the basilisk. This mythical beast has appeared in folklore, ···
Read the story →
Prehistoric amphibians offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of life on Earth, showcasing an array of incredible creatures that dominated swamps and wetlands long before dinosaurs walked the planet. Many of these ancient ···
Read the story →
The phenomenon of hair and nails seemingly growing after death has intrigued people for centuries. It’s a common belief that after someone or something passes away, their hair and nails continue to grow. But is this true, and if ···
Read the story →
When observing reptiles, you may notice their tongues are often pale or light-colored, unlike the bright pink or red tongues typical in many mammals. This pale coloration serves several functional purposes related to the unique bi···
Read the story →
Minks are small, semi-aquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family, Mustelidae. There are two main species: the American mink (Neovison vison) and the European mink (Mustela lutreola). These animals are known for their luxurio···
Read the story →
When it comes to the wilderness, bears rank high on the list of animals that can be potentially dangerous. But not all bear species are the same when it comes to their level of threat to humans. Let’s dive into the key question:W···
Read the story →
When you think of piranhas, the first image that probably comes to mind is their sharp teeth and their reputation as dangerous predators of the Amazon River. Known for their ability to swarm and devour prey quickly, piranhas have ···
Read the story →
Dogs are loyal companions, but sometimes they can bring with them some not-so-pleasant smells. From outdoor adventures to long play sessions, our furry friends get into a lot of different things, and sometimes, a bath isn’t an op···
Read the story →
When it comes to the most poisonous animal on the planet, the box jellyfish takes the top spot. Known for its nearly invisible appearance and extremely venomous tentacles, this sea creature has evolved to become one of the most ef···
Read the story →
Starfish, or sea stars, are captivating marine creatures belonging to the phylum Echinodermata, which also includes sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and brittle stars. Known for their star-shaped bodies and vibrant colors, starfish are···
Read the story →
Hermit crabs are fascinating pets, known for their quirky behavior and unique ability to change shells as they grow. If you're thinking of adopting one or already have a hermit crab, you may be wondering, “How big will a herm···
Read the story →
Fennec foxes, with their large ears and adorable faces, have captured the hearts of exotic animal enthusiasts worldwide. But before bringing one home, it’s essential to understand whether fennec foxes make good pets, their cost, ···
Read the story →
If you're a chicken owner, you may be wondering about the potential threats to your flock. One common concern is whether certain snakes, like the Texas rat snake, pose a risk to your chickens. In this article, we’ll dive into···
Read the story →
When we think of speed in the animal kingdom, we often imagine cheetahs or racehorses. But while cheetahs certainly take the top spot in land speed, there are other mammals that also deserve recognition for their incredible speed—···
Read the story →
Sharks have long captured the imagination of people worldwide, not only because of their fearsome reputation but also due to their massive size and prehistoric history. Among all the species of sharks that roam our oceans today, t···
Read the story →
When you collect eggs from your hens, one of the first questions you might ask is, "Is this egg fertilized?" Whether you’re a backyard chicken keeper or someone new to raising hens, understanding how to determine if an ···
Read the story →
Worms are a common health issue for cats, and if left untreated, they can cause serious complications. Thankfully, there are a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) cat wormers available that can help keep your feline friend free from···
Read the story →
Gabapentin is a medication that is commonly used to manage pain and certain neurological conditions in both humans and animals, including cats. If your cat is suffering from chronic pain, seizures, or anxiety, your veterinarian ma···
Read the story →
What Are No-See-Ums? A Detailed Guide to These Tiny, Annoying PestsNo-see-ums are tiny, biting insects that are notorious for their ability to sneak up on you without warning. These pests are so small that you often don’t even re···
Read the story →
Butterflies are some of the most beautiful and fascinating insects in the world, often admired for their vibrant colors and delicate wings. While most people recognize a butterfly by its colorful wings, fewer may know about its an···
Read the story →
Spiders are fascinating creatures, but many people are understandably uncomfortable having them around. Whether you’re dealing with spiders in your home or simply want to keep them at bay, knowing what smells repel them can be a ···
Read the story →
When we think of bears, we often picture massive creatures lumbering through forests, but just how big can a bear get? In this article, we’ll dive into the largest bear on record, covering the species, the impressive size of the ···
Read the story →Explore side-by-side animal comparisons or find more detailed science explanations.
