Science

Animals that echolocate include bats, toothed whales such as dolphins and porpoises, and a small number of other mammals, including certain shrews and tenrecs. They make sounds and use returning echoes to detect objects, navigate, or find prey; most animals do not echolocate, and the ability varies widely among those that do. What echolocation means […]

Orthoptera are an order of insects that includes grasshoppers, locusts, crickets, and katydids. They are chiefly recognized by their powerful hind legs for jumping, chewing mouthparts, and— in many species—wings that produce sound or help them move. What the name Orthoptera means The name Orthoptera comes from Greek roots often translated as “straight wings,” a

Moths like different things depending on their species and life stage: many adults seek flower nectar or other sugary liquids, while caterpillars eat particular plants. Some moths are attracted to lights, and clothes moths prefer dark, undisturbed places with animal-based fibers; there is no single food or setting that appeals to every moth. Why Moth

The ostrich is the bird most often associated with not flying, but it is not the only one: penguins, emus, kiwis, rheas, cassowaries, and several other birds are flightless too. These birds still have wings; over generations, their bodies and habits adapted to life on the ground, in water, or in other settings where powered

Stink bugs are insects in the family Pentatomidae, commonly called shield bugs because their broad bodies resemble small shields. “Stink bug” is the familiar name for many members of this family, especially species that release a strong odor when disturbed or crushed. The name can refer to thousands of related species around the world, not

Barracudas are a family of predatory marine fish, not a single species; the best-known is the great barracuda, but the family includes many other kinds. They differ in size, range, habitat, and appearance, and most are recognized by a long body, pointed head, and prominent teeth. What counts as a barracuda? Barracudas belong to the

The polar bear’s scientific name is Ursus maritimus, and it is a mammal in the bear family, Ursidae, within the order Carnivora. It is generally classified as a distinct species, though it is closely related to the brown bear and can interbreed with it. What the scientific name means The name Ursus maritimus comes from

Tree frogs are frogs adapted for climbing, most often living in vegetation rather than spending their lives on the ground. Their gripping toe pads, varied calls, and dependence on suitable moisture help them find food, avoid danger, and reproduce in habitats ranging from tropical forests to temperate woodlands. What Counts as a Tree Frog? “Tree

Herons and cranes are different groups of long-legged birds, even though both are often seen in wetlands and can look alike at a glance. The quickest clues are their shape, flight posture, calls, and behavior: herons usually fly with the neck folded back, while cranes fly with the neck stretched out. What herons and cranes

Yes. Bird baths can attract other animals as well as birds, especially when they offer a reliable source of water in a dry or hot period. The visitors may include insects, squirrels, rabbits, and other wildlife; what appears depends on the bath, its location, and the animals living nearby. Why a Bird Bath Draws Wildlife