If you’ve ever forgotten something soon after learning it, you might have been told you have the “memory of a goldfish” — most likely not meant as a compliment. This idiomatic insult relies on the widespread belief that goldfish have…
If you’ve ever observed a captive panda going about its daily routine, you might have questioned how these awkward creatures managed to survive in the wild. Extant animals have evolved skills and traits essential for their survival. However, “survival skills”…
With an exceptional sense of smell, mice can discover food by simply following their noses. They are particularly drawn to fatty and sweet foods, meaning even candles and soap with such scents can lure them into your home. Once mice…
Leopards and jaguars are two of the most visually striking big cats on Earth. In fact, they’re so striking in such similar ways that they’re often confused for each other. Both have golden coats covered in black rosettes, both are…
Male birds, for the most part, are more colorful and flamboyant than their female counterparts. Compared to the striking features of a peacock, a gray-brown peahen appears quite plain. Likewise, the brown-feathered head of a female mallard duck pales in…
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Gnats are among the most bothersome flying insects, often buzzing around your face despite attempts to swat them away. There are several varieties, including sand flies found in tropical areas,…
Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a steadfast landlubber, you’ve probably heard the saying, “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky in the morning, sailors take warning.” It’s a widespread adage that pops up in various forms throughout…
The ecosystem represents a fragile balance involving all living organisms, such as plants and animals, alongside the weather and climate they experience. Each major biome, including forests, grasslands, deserts, tundras, and aquatic environments, contains multiple ecosystem types. While not every…
Subtropical deserts are renowned for their sandy landscapes, particularly the Sahara Desert. Although these are some of the hottest regions on Earth, rainfall does occur in deserts. In fact, the average annual rainfall in the Sahara Desert is 0.5 millimeters.…
If you spend a day hiking in the woodlands, you’ll likely spend your night picking spiky round balls from your clothing. These sticky, prickly little nuisances are called burs (sometimes spelled “burrs”), and they’re actually seed pods, akin to seed…