Science

There is one widely recognized species of chimpanzee: the common chimpanzee, Pan troglodytes. Scientists divide it into four recognized subspecies, while the closely related bonobo is a separate species in the same genus, Pan. Why the answer can seem confusing The question gets different answers because “chimpanzee” is used both narrowly and casually. In scientific […]

A typical healthy horse has four legs: two forelegs at the front and two hind legs at the back. Each supports the animal’s weight and helps it stand, walk, trot, canter, and gallop, although the legs differ in structure and in the work they do. Why Horses Have Four Legs Four limbs give a horse

Wild sheep shed their coats through a seasonal process called molting: as the weather warms, old fibers loosen and fall away, often in patches that animals rub against rocks, shrubs, or the ground. The process varies by species and habitat, and it is not the same as the regular shearing of domestic sheep. What “wool”

Yes. Poaching—the illegal killing or capture of wildlife—has pushed some animal populations toward extinction and remains a serious threat to many endangered species. Its effects depend on how many animals are taken, how quickly a population can reproduce, and whether habitat loss and other pressures are also reducing its numbers. What poaching means Poaching is

Yes—wasps provide important benefits, even though their stings and some pest damage can make them unwelcome around people. They pollinate flowers, control populations of other insects, and serve as food for wildlife; their value depends on the species and setting. What Counts as a Wasp? “Wasp” refers to a large, varied group of insects in

Yes. Male turtles have a cloaca, a shared opening beneath the tail that serves the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems; they also have a penis inside the body that is used for mating. The cloaca is not unique to males: female turtles have one too. What differs between the sexes is the reproductive anatomy connected

Yes, great horned owls have predators, although healthy adults face few. Eggs and young owls are more vulnerable: other large raptors, climbing mammals, and sometimes adult great horned owls can kill them, while people and human-related hazards also cause serious harm. Why Adult Great Horned Owls Have Few Predators The great horned owl is a

Common forest animals include mammals such as deer, squirrels, foxes, rabbits, and bears; birds such as owls, woodpeckers, and songbirds; and many insects, amphibians, and reptiles. Which species are common depends on the forest’s climate, location, plant life, and water, because forests around the world support very different communities. Why Forest Animals Vary A forest

Bee-eaters are slender, brightly colored birds known for catching flying insects in the air, including bees and wasps. Their most recognizable characteristics are a long, slightly curved bill, pointed wings, a narrow body, and often a bold black stripe through the eye; details such as size, colors, habitat, and nesting habits vary among species. What

Yes. Mantis shrimp are marine crustaceans, so they live in saltwater rather than freshwater. They occur in seas and oceans, where different species occupy habitats such as coral reefs, rocky shores, and soft seafloors. What Mantis Shrimp Are Despite the name, a mantis shrimp is neither a true shrimp nor a mantis. It belongs to