Wonders of the Animal Kingdom: 20 Astounding Facts

The animal kingdom is vastly amazing. From an ant to blue whales, a range of fantastic creatures can be found here that are uniquely suited to live in their particular environments. Animals just don't cease to amaze whether it is for some very uncanny survival gimmicks or astonishing biological capabilities. While we often admire their beauty and behavior, they are still so much less well-known, which fascinates them even more. Here are 20 of the most interesting facts about the animal kingdom that will amaze you with the way nature had intelligence in creating them.

Octopuses have three hearts.
Two pumps to the gills, while the third pumps blood to the rest of the body. Curiously, the heart pumping to the body stops beating when the octopus swims.  

Elephants can "hear" through their feet.
Elephants can detect seismic vibrations through their feet, thus being able to monitor the distant approach of thunderstorms or the movement of other elephants.

A group of flamingos is called a "flamboyance." 
These brightly colored birds often come together in large dazzling flocks, hence the befitting name.

Butterflies taste with their feet. 
Their taste sensors are on their feet, which enables them to choose appropriate plants to lay eggs on.

Male seahorses give birth.
Unlike most animals, male seahorses carry and deliver their babies, sometimes hundreds at a time.

Cows have best friends.
Studies show that cows bond with specific herd members and tend to become distressed when separated from them.

A snail can sleep for three years.
Some species of snails can go into a sort of hibernation or estivation to make it through periods that are not good for them.  

Sharks existed before trees.
Sharks have swum in Earth's oceans for more than 400 million years-about 50 million years longer than trees existed.  

Koalas have fingerprints.
Their fingerprints are so similar to those of humans that even experts have a hard time distinguishing them.  

Pigeons are able to recognize their reflection in mirrors.
Pigeons are among the few animals that possess this ability, which has been linked to higher intelligence.  

The mantis shrimp can punch as forcefully as a bullet.
This small creature can give such a powerful punch that it may break the glass of the aquarium and may knock down any prey with just one stroke.

Ants never sleep.
The ants actually have only a little rest while keeping up their normal work continuously in life.

The blue whale is the biggest animal to have ever walked on the planet Earth.
Reaching lengths up to 100 feet, even the largest dinosaurs are dwarfed by this mammal.

Sloths can hold their breath longer than dolphins.
Sloths have managed to slow down their heart rate enough that they can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes while dolphins usually come to the surface every 10 minutes.

Ravens can mimic human speech.
These highly intelligent birds can learn to mimic human voices and even imitate other sounds they hear regularly. 

Platypuses glow under UV light.
Their fur is fluorescent green or blue under ultraviolet light, a recently discovered trait.  

Penguins propose with pebbles.
Male penguins smoothly pebble their potential mates as part of their courtship ritual.

Giraffes only need 5 to 30 minutes of sleep per day.
These towering mammals get by on remarkably little sleep, often dozing for just a few minutes at a time.

Bees can recognize human faces.
Using a process similar to how humans remember faces, bees can identify and remember individual human features.  

Crows hold grudges.
Crows have excellent memories and can recognize individuals who have treated them poorly, often teaching others in their group to avoid them.  

The animal kingdom is a treasure trove of astonishing facts and evolutionary marvels that showcase the incredible diversity of life on Earth-from creatures with unique survival strategies to other creatures that actually remind us so much of humans, animals reflect the boundless creativity of nature. By discovering these coy talents and behaviors, we come to develop an even deeper appreciation for them, but far more importantly, to understand and cherish the connectivity of life forms. Indeed, the animal kingdom is filled with wonders awaiting exploration.