Mammals
A mammal is an animal in the vertebrate group within the class of Mammalia, humans are mammals. There are several distinct characteristics of mammals that distinguish them from the other animal classes (reptiles, birds, fish and amphibians). All mammals have a backbone, hair, warm blood, a four chambered heart and sweat glands. Female mammals give birth to live young and have mammary glands to feed their offspring with milk. The largest living mammal, and also largest living animal, is the Blue Whale.
121 random fun facts that will blow your mind
Our collection of the best interesting trivia covers animals, biology, geography, space and much more
These (very cute) puppy tests could reveal your dog’s personality
The science of spotting a very good boy early on
This adorable bopping sea lion can probably hold a beat better than you
Note to self: avoid dance-offs with sea lions
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Top 10 most dangerous animals in the world
What is the deadliest animal, killing the most humans each year? If you guessed sharks, you’d be wrong.
Nature's weirdest: The honey badger
They're like the UFC fighters of the animal kingdom. Seriously, don't mess.
Nature’s weirdest: This honking hammerhead bat has the world’s strangest nostrils
Meet the honking bat that looks like a cross between a horse and Yoda.
World’s weirdest animals: Meet the tasselled red river hog, nature's most dapper swine
The wild, red-coated, 'tufted pig' is a Yoda-lookalike from western and central Africa which, like Yoda, lives near swamps (and rivers).
Are there really wallabies living in the UK?
Wallabies are present in the UK after escaping from private collections and zoos.
Weird animals: 25 of the most bizarre animals on Earth
From an eel that can produce 400 times their volume in slime, to a fish with human teeth, here are some really weird animals from around the world.
Why do beavers build dams?
No, beavers don't actually live in dams – but they still serve a special purpose.
Is Bigfoot real? Why people believe in the Sasquatch
Here's everything you need to know about Sasquatch.
What’s the longest a human can hold their breath underwater?
Breathe in! People can hold air in their lungs for a surprising length of time.
Hidden testicles and petrified urine: Why the hyrax is one of the world’s weirdest animals
This adorable creature is neither rodent nor rabbit.
World’s weirdest creatures: Meet the muntjac deer, nature’s glandular wonder
This diminutive deer has glands that can open so wide; they can actually turn inside out.
How does echolocation work?
With its built-in sonar, honed through millions of years of evolution, the bat is the undisputed poster child of echolocation.
What is a slow loris? Everything you need to know about this cute but venomous primate
These nocturnal furballs have deadly venom that can send you into anaphylactic shock.
Have you heard the buzz about the Wildlife Photographer of the Year winners?
The winners of the most prestigious award in wildlife photography have just been announced.
The Tasmanian tiger: the misunderstood marsupial that scientists want to bring back from the dead
The thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian tiger, was wiped out in the 20th Century. Here's everything you wanted to know about this charismatic carnivore.
Giant pandas roamed around Europe six million years ago
Teeth found in Bulgaria in the 1970s confirms ancient panda once lived in Europe.
Mummified baby mammoth unearthed by Canadian miners
The immaculately preserved specimen is "one of the most incredible mummified Ice Age animals ever discovered".
Remembering Bears: Incredible photography from the upcoming book
A look at some of the stunning photography that will be featured in a book to protect bears.
7 of the weirdest mammals that roamed the ancient Earth
Millions of years ago, the mammals were just starting to come into their own.
5 of the best books about mammals
Jack Ashby shares insight from his new book, Platypus Matters, and recommends five of his favourite books for further reading.
Chimpanzees observed digging wells after being taught how by an immigrant female
Members of a community of East African chimpanzees started to copy the behaviour after closely observing the immigrant ape's method.