Animals
Wild, extinct, domesticated, endangered - the animal kingdom is filled with creatures of exotic shapes and sizes, making them a firm favourite for curious minds and fact finders of all ages. Here you can find a menagerie of animal facts and pictures of the wonderful beasts that walk the earth, the birds that soar through the sky and the sea creatures that swim through the vast oceans of our Earth.
These mind-bending biological superpowers let birds fly for 11 days without food
Tiny birds can cross continents, but where do they find the energy?
This bizarre optical illusion could teach us how animals think
By seeing which animals fall for a classic visual trick, scientists are uncovering how different brains make sense of the world
A flesh-eating parasite has almost reached the US border. Should we be worried?
A deadly fly once wiped out across North America has resurfaced in northern Mexico
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30 astonishing close-up images that make the smallest things look epic
Life in stunning detail
This deadly snake was filmed using its spider-shaped tail as bait
The spider-tailed snake has a bulbous tip on its tail, fringed by long scales that make it look like a spider
Can animals play video games?
From dolphins to pigs: Inside the surprising world of nature's gamers
Yes, your dog could really be addicted to their ball, says new study
'Ball junkies' are hooked on their toys
We finally know why men don’t live as long as women, say scientists
Males that spend less energy on sex and more on raising their children tend to live longer
This ancient blue-blooded sea creature has saved countless human lives
But now the race is on to save them from extinction
Is there anything on Earth that could withstand conditions on Mars?
Scientists have conducted a variety of experiments to find out what, if anything, could survive the harsh conditions of Mars
The truth about Borneo's 'vampire squirrel' - and its massive tail
Meet the tufted ground squirrel of Borneo, which has been said to gorge on the hearts and livers of deer and chickens
Why do dogs love to play with trash?
Just like wild wolves, our pampered pups can enjoy playing in and with the foulest-smelling stuff
We may soon know how to stop dogs ageing, and humans could be next
Cutting-edge anti-ageing advances could extend your dog’s lifespan – and help sniff out the secrets to human longevity too
Can animals get drunk?
The natural world is one big pub, with alcohol on tap from fermented fruits, sap and nectar. Different animals have different tolerance levels
Here’s how to tell if your dog actually loves you, according to science
Your dog is so pleased to see you when you get home. Then again, that’s also when you feed them. So does your dog see you as their best friend or merely a food delivery system?
121 random fun facts that will blow your mind
Our collection of the best interesting trivia covers animals, biology, geography, space and much more
Ocean water could now corrode shark teeth at alarming rate, study suggests
“They’re highly developed weapons built for cutting flesh, not resisting ocean acid"
Cats v dogs: Here’s who’s smarter, according to science
In the ultimate pet showdown, we size up the cerebral powers of our favourite furry friends.
Cats get dementia too. And they might be the key to new human treatments
New research has found that our feline friends develop dementia in a similar way to human Alzheimer’s Disease, opening the door to further research
6 simple ways to instantly improve your dog’s life, according to science
What's the way to your dog's heart? A steak? A permanent place on the sofa? On open car window to lean out of during a long drive?
Some (very adorable) whales and dolphins were caught forming unlikely friendships
Their interactions are rarely studied, but it turns out whales and dolphins actually get along swimmingly – even if one side’s keener than the other
The (completely adorable) ways dogs know exactly how you’re feeling
Ever get the feeling your dog knows what you’re thinking? It might be because they’re picking up on cues you didn’t realise you were transmitting.
Bigger dinosaurs didn’t always have stronger bites, surprising new study finds
You probably still wouldn’t want to come face to face with them, though
Female gorillas can overpower males twice their size, study finds
Primate society is less patriarchal than we thought