Did you know there are over 8.7 million animal species in the world? And that is only an approximate figure, with scientists believing there are more undiscovered ones. Interestingly, these animals vary in every way that you can think of.
While it’s nearly impossible to discuss all the species in this piece, we bring you some of the most fascinating fun facts you probably didn’t know.
1. Ostrich’s Eyes Are Bigger than its Brain
Ostriches have the biggest eyes of any bird. They are about 2 inches in diameter (the equivalent of a pool ball). Now, have you ever seen the size of an ostrich’s head? The fact that it can accommodate such huge eyes means there is a catch: the brain made room.
2. A Starfish Doesn’t Have a Brain or Blood
Sometimes referred to as sea stars, starfish don’t have brains or blood. Surprisingly, they can eat and digest food externally using their arms. It also has a nerve ring in its center that coordinates its movements.
Another fun fact: starfish are not fish. Yes, they both live underwater, but their resemblance end at that.
3. Hummingbirds Can Fly Backwards
Hummingbirds can fly backwards; they are the only bird species to do so. Whether they want to avoid predators, escape danger, or return for a missed tasty flower, it flies back as it wills. Ooh, and it can fly upside down or sideways, too, if you are wondering.
4. A Frog Cannot Vomit
Frogs must be sure of what they ingest because they cannot vomit! If push comes to shove and the only alternative is vomiting, it spews out its entire digestive system.
5. The Blue Whale is the Heaviest Animal
You might be aware that the blue whale is the biggest and heaviest animal in the world, but do you know an adult weighs as much as 30 grown elephants? It has a heart the size of a mini car and can feed around 8000 pounds of krill daily.
6. Pigeons Are Mathematicians
Alright, that’s a bit stretched, but pigeons can do some basic math. They might not be as good as humans or close, but studies have shown these lovely birds are on the same level as monkeys.
While conducting the study, scientists sampled some pigeons. They asked them to compare several images, each with various objects. The pigeons placed the pictures based on their total number of objects.
7. A Koala Can Sleep 22 Hours A Day
Many cat owners think their beloved pets can sleep for a long time. While that may be true, cats have nothing on koalas when it comes to sleeping for prolonged periods. The Australian Koala Foundation reports that these cuties can remain asleep for up to 22 hours daily.
8. Giraffes Have Purple Tongues
Given the general complexion of giraffes, you’d least expect them to have purple tongues. Funny enough, they do! Scientists believe this is so as it helps repel sunburns as they eat. The tongue of a giraffe can stretch up to 20 inches.
9. Sloths Are So Slow That Algae Can Grow on their Fur
We all agree that sloths are the slowest animals in the world. But how slow are they? Well, it turns out that these animals are slow enough to allow algae to grow on them. As nature has it, their relationship is symbiotic: algae provides the sloth with camouflage while it gets shelter and water in return.
10. Blue Whales Are the Loudest of Any Animal
Being the biggest animal on the planet, it’s little surprise that whales are the loudest. These species are louder than a jet.
11. Butterflies Can Taste with Their Feet
Butterflies are a beauty to watch, but that is not the only fascinating thing about them. Their feet have chemoreceptors that allow them to taste and identify suitable plants. They are also used to select the right leaf for laying their eggs.
12. Dogs have a Better Sense of Smell but a Worse Taste
Many people are aware that dogs have an excellent sense of smell. If anything, specialists approximate that they have up to 100,000 times better sense of smell than humans. On the contrary, they have a poor sense of taste. Their taste buds are only a sixth of people’s.
13. Wild Dolphins Have Names
Wild dolphins can call each other by name. They do so by whistling uniquely, so whoever “hears their name” responds accordingly.
