Gorillas and chimpanzees are two of our closest living relatives. But, they differ profoundly in size, behavior, and ecology. Common Ancestry Gorillas and chimpanzees both descended from an ancient African ape. This common ancestor lived around 8 to 10 million years ago….
Where is Snake Island? Ilha da Queimada Grande, better known as Snake Island, is part of Brazil. It is a rocky outcrop in the South Atlantic about 90 miles (145 km) off the coast of São Paulo. It is infamous for its…
Where Are the Caucasus Mountains? The Caucasus Mountains lie between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, spanning southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia. How Long Are the Caucasus Mountains? The Caucasus Mountains run about 750 miles (1,200 kilometers) from west to east….
No, Mount Kilimanjaro does not have a death zone. Kilimanjaro is 19,341 ft (5,895 m) tall, which is far below the 26,000 ft (8,000 m) threshold for the death zone. While the summit is classified as extreme altitude, it is not high…
There are about 3,900 recognized snake species in the world. They all have one thing in common when it comes to their diet. They live solely by eating meat. In other words, snakes are strict carnivores. Their unique biology enables them to…
On May 13, 1999, Michael Matthews became the youngest British climber to stand on Mount Everest. He was only 22 years old. Three hours later, on the descent, he simply vanished. Michael was the 162nd person to die on Everest. High Aspirations…
Africa is the second-largest continent on Earth. Over 1,100 mammal species thrive here. Evolutionary pressures shaped these animals into some of the most diverse on the planet. Scientific studies link Africa’s unique biodiversity to constant shifts in temperature, rainfall, and terrain. 1….
Are crows and ravens the same? Though crows and ravens look alike, they are different birds. Both belong to the genus Corvus in the Corvidae family, which includes magpies and jays. They are not only one of the most intelligent birds, but…
The goal to climb Kilimanjaro draws people from all walks of life. With its accessible routes and lack of technical mountaineering requirements, it is said that anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can reach the top. Though many summit every year,…
Camouflage is nature’s masterstroke, enabling animals to blend into their environments for survival. This article exhibits the most visually impressive camouflage animals on the planet. 4 Types of Camouflage Camouflage operates on the principle of visual deception. The animal’s appearance is manipulated…
It’s well known that cheetahs are the fastest land animals on earth. But just how fast are they? Cheetahs have a top speed of 75 mph (120 km/h). However, this pace is only sustainable for short, intense bursts. They can accelerate from…
Mountain dogs special breeds designed for their brawn, endurance, and resillience in harsh environments. Humans began to harness the abilities of canines thousands of years ago. Early communities relied on dogs for hunting, guarding, and herding. Selective breeding focused on strength, thick…
Most people believe cats purr when they are in a state of happiness. But there are more reasons behind the action. Recent research suggests that a cat’s purr occurs with minimal input from its brain. This means purring is mostly passive. Here…
The words ocean and sea are often used interchangeably, but from a geographical view there is a difference. The main distinction between an ocean and a sea relates to size of the body of water and degree of enclosure. Oceans are vast,…
Wolves and coyotes often get mistaken for each other due to their similar appearances and behaviors. Both belong to the genus Canis, which includes dogs and jackals. However, their evolutionary paths split over thousands of years ago as they adapted to varied…
Domestic dogs bark often in everyday interactions. Wolves howl over long distances. However, many people have never heard a fox, making its sounds a mystery. Vocal Structure of Foxes Vocalization in mammals typically relies on the rapid movement of air through the…
