Interesting Scientific Facts about Animals

A giraffe has only seven vertebrae in its long neck. Surprisingly, this is the same number as in most mammals, including humans.

The largest animal that has ever lived still exists today — the blue whale. It can weigh up to 300,000 pounds.

A seal can live without food for several months, while a camel can survive only for a few weeks.

The raccoon often seems to wash its food before eating. In fact, this behavior helps it to feel the food better with its sensitive paws.

Some kinds of mice can actually sing. Their songs are high-pitched sounds, similar to those made by birds.

A squirrel can climb a tree faster than it can run on the ground. Its sharp claws and strong legs help it move easily among the branches.

Moles are not blind. Their eyes are very small, but they can see light and movement.

A whale can jump up to 20 feet above the water, making an amazing splash when it falls back down.

When a kangaroo is born, it is only about one inch long — small enough to hide behind a postage stamp.

Kangaroos use their tails for balance and movement. If their tails are lifted off the ground, they cannot jump.

A kangaroo can run faster than a horse, reaching a speed of up to 70 kilometers per hour.

What is the world’s most ferocious animal? Many people would think of lions or tigers, but scientists say it is the shrew. For its small size — about 11 centimeters — it has great energy. It must eat several times its own weight in food every day to survive.

Sometimes a shrew even attacks fish much larger than itself.

A rhinoceros has two horns. They are not true horns but are made of tightly packed hair-like fibers, so strong that the animal can pierce thick wood with them.