"Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world." The large stonelike structures are built by tiny, almost microscopic animals called coral polyps. The polyps live and grow in colonies, filtering their food from the water or using energy from the sun... Read more
Dragons have long mystified mankind. These monstrous legendary creatures are typically seen as serpent-like, many having wings or the ability to fly. In fact, the English word "dragon" is derived from the Greek word drakon, referring to a large serpent. Some have legs or the features of terrestrial beasts. Many had "extraordinary breath," able to exhale smoke, fire, water, ice, or wind... Read more
The groundhog or woodchuck is a type of rodent, a marmot or ground squirrel. Groundhogs live across North America and can even be seen in urban areas. They can weigh 6 kg (13 lbs) and feed on plants... Read more
Birds, especially bluebirds, are often used as symbols of spring in art and animation. Disney, for example, has plenty of examples - Mr. Bluebird from Song of the South, Kessie from Winnie the Pooh, and various unnamed birds seen during Snow White's performance of "Whistle While You Work, Sleeping Beauty's "Once Upon a Dream," or those twitterpated pairs from Bambi... Read more
"The swordfish is one of the open ocean’s fastest, strongest predators." Also known as a broadbill, the swordfish can be distinguished from the similar marlin by its flat bill. Swordfish can reach lengths of almost 15 feet (4.6 meters) and weigh more than 1,400 pounds (635 kilograms). Amazingly, baby swordfish are nearly microscopic - yet their sword is visible soon after hatching!... Read more
Humans have been dressing up their pets for a long time. Ancient Egyptian paintings portray domestic animals with collars or ribbons around their necks, and the collar was perhaps the first pet fashion statement. Says one resource: "Collars emerged as tools for training and restraint as well as status symbols at the height of civilization. But they were also beautiful works of art... Read more
According to National Geographic, "The monarch butterfly is one of the most recognizable and well-studied butterflies on the planet." It is famous for its epic seasonal migration, in which "millions of monarchs migrate from the United States and Canada south to California and Mexico for the winter." Monarch butterflies also live in Europe, Australia, and several Pacific islands... Read more
Mosquitoes are insects. As such, they share characteristics with other bugs, like ladybugs, praying mantises,, grasshoppers, bees, and dragonflies. All of these creatures have six legs and thin, transparent wings. There eyes are compound, made up of many lenses. They also have no bones - instead, they have an exoskeleton, which is like a coat of armor on the outside of their bodies... Read more
The wolf is the largest of the wild dogs. The gray wolf or timber wolf can be found throughout Europe and Americas, and the Ethiopian or Abyssinian wolf lives in Africa... Read more
The lion has been called "the king of beasts." This African mammal is one of the largest of the big cats, second only to the tiger... Read more
