Through survival and evolution, animals have become one of the most interesting and historic parts of planet Earth. Whether it’s frogs that glow in the dark or killer whales that thrive on terrorizing the sea, there are so many animals with unique characteristics and abilities that many people don’t know about! Join us in a series of monthly fun facts: The More You Know.
1) Rats Can Play Hide and Seek
Although some dismiss these creatures as roadkill, a new study shows that rats, one of the most hated rodents, can actually play hide and seek with each other! Neuroscientist Michael Brecht experiments with 6 male rats after watching a YouTube video showing pet owners playing hide and seek with their own rats. Brecht, with the help of another neuroscientist, Annika Stefanie Reinhold, figured out that these little rodents actually mimic human emotions too; the rats feel a sense of compassion and humor! So cool! Maybe the rats in your attic are just there to have fun.
2) Golden Poison Dart Frog
You can look, but you can’t touch! Although this animal is vibrant, with yellow skin as bright as the sun, stay far, far away from them, or else you might die! The Golden Poison Dart Frog is an endangered species of frog that thrives in tropical rain forests. They are known for their color and ability to kill in seconds. Due to the batrachotoxins in their skin, if touched, one could suffer from cardiac failure, paralysis, and convulsions. Don’t let their beauty fool you, and be careful in the forest.
3) Turtles Can Live for How Long?
They say a man’s best friend is a dog, but how about a tortoise! Some may not consider this animal as their ideal pet, but they sure will stick with you! Tortoises have life spans of 80-150 years, whereas humans average about 71-73 years in age! I guess slow and steady wins the race after all.
4) Animals Can See in Slow Motion
Animals and insects with a fast metabolism, meaning they convert food into energy really quickly, actually see things in slow motion! Their perception allows them to react quicker in life-threatening situations, and see “rapid movements” with more clarity! Animals like flies, birds, and squirrels carry this ability to help them survive in everyday situations.
5) Jellyfish are…Immortal?
The Turritopsis dohrnii (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) is a species of jellyfish located in temperate to tropical climates, but was first discovered in the Mediterranean Sea. This interesting creature gains its title, the “Immortal Jellyfish,” due to their cells’ ability to undergo something called transdifferentiation, where they can return to their original form (the polyp), and regenerate again, growing new, but genetically identical, cells. Of course, the term immortal would indicate that they live forever, but unfortunately, it’s not the reality. For the jellyfish that haven’t been eaten by predators or caught a disease, they sink to the bottom of the ocean and begin their decaying process. How sad!
