The porcupine is one of the world's largest rodents. Also called a "quill pig," porcupines are known for their sharp, stiff, modified hairs which they use for protection. Contrary to popular belief, porcupines cannot "throw" or "shoot" their quills. Rather, the porcupine may back up into its attacker, leaving the sharp quills behind... Read more
Cosmetics like lipstick have been used since ancient times. The ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks, and others used lip color. Queen Elizabeth I of England used a red chemical called mercuric sulfide, a pigment also used to make vermillion paint. A cosmetic called rouge was used both as a lipstick and as a blush on the cheeks... Read more
The term velociraptor means "swift seizer." It was native to Asia, while the larger deinonychus flourished in North America. It is known for its large claw, which it may have used as a weapon in the way the cassowary does today... Read more
Vultures or buzzards are raptors or birds of prey, similar to eagles and hawks. There are 23 species of vultures worldwide. These large birds are known for being scavengers, eating dead carcasses as part of nature's cleanup crew... Read more
The chihuahua is a popular breed of small dog known for its sassy temperament. In fact, it is the smallest recognized breed, typically weighing 1 to 6 pounds and being about 5 inches tall... Read more
The bird's skull is made up of five parts: the top of the head, or frontal area; the back of the head, or parietal area; the premaxillary and nasal areas of the top beak; and the mandible or bottom beak... Read more
The terms pants, trousers, trousers, or slacks, refer to lower body garments that are "divided into sections to cover each leg separately."... Read more
Athena or Athene was the Greek goddess of war, reason, and wisdom. Her arena was the "intellectual and civilized side of war and the virtues of justice and skill." In times of peace, she was a goddess of skilled crafts such as weaving. She was the protectress of the city of Athens. In Roman mythology, she went by the name Minerva... Read more
The hyena is a mammal that resembles a dog. The three species of hyena are native to Africa and Asia. Hyenas live in packs and are predators as well as opportunistic scavengers. Females serve as the alpha or leader in hyena society... Read more
The DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller is the newest in a long line of video game controllers. PlayStation released its first video game console in 1994. Since then, it has released second and third generation consoles, culminating in the current PlayStation 4, or PS4... Read more
Several hundred bird species around the world are considered pigeons or doves. These peaceful birds are known for making a gentle cooing sound. Most pigeons are... Read more
The atom is the "smallest unit into which matter can be divided without the release of electrically charged particles." Atoms are considered the building blocks of chemistry... Read more
The xenomorph alien, also called Xenomorph XX121 or Internecivus raptus, is a fictional creature from the Alien film franchise. It has been included in numerous movies, comic books... Read more
In Norse mythology, Loki was "a cunning trickster who had the ability to change his shape" and even his gender. He was the son of a giant and considered one of the... Read more
The wolf is an animal that has captured the imaginations of humans for millennia. Wolves are native to Europe, Asia, and the Americas. They are the ancestors of "man's best friend," the domestic dog, but they have been both respected and reproached... Read more
Dice are "small cubes of plastic, ivory, bone, or wood, marked on each side with one to six spots, usually used in pairs in games of chance or in gambling." Dice can be used alone in gameplay, or they may be paired with a board game, such as Monopoly... Read more
In popular culture, beehives are often involved in honey gathering or a character being stung by a swarm of angry bees. We see one example of this in Winnie the Pooh, quoted above. Other animated films, such as Bee Movie, are centered entirely around this hard-working animal... Read more
In popular culture, the witch hat is "characterized by a conical crown and a wide brim." This is also a symbol of the Halloween holiday and included in many decorations... Read more
Trees are a vital part of the environment the world over. Trees produce oxygen, rid the air of carbon, offer shade, and produce food. Their wood allows humans to... Read more
The piano or pianoforte is a musical instrument played by striking keys with your fingers. Many people do not realize that the piano is actually a string instrument, like the... Read more