Howstuffworks "Animals"

Explore the world of wild animals, pets and extinct species. Learn about ants, dinosaurs, mammals and everything that crawls, swims or flies under the sun.

REFERENCE LINKS

How Polar Bears Work

The polar bear's shocking whiteness, ferocity and sheer size make it an icon of purity and power. How do these animals survive in a frigid climate? And what could make them go extinct in the next 40 years? Since polar bears were just added to to Protected Species List, we'll have to find out.

How many words do dogs understand?

We know dogs can decipher the words "sit," "stay" and "come" because we've seem them act out the definitions. And we've certainly witnessed the enthusiastic tail wagging that the word "walk" triggers. But what other words can dogs understand? Do they comprehend more than we know?

How Butterflies Work

If you've seen a butterfly in your lifetime, you probably noticed their colorful wings, or maybe you saw one basking in the sunlight from a tree branch. But I bet you didn't realize that the butterfly you saw would soon die. Why are their life spans so short, and are butterflies on their way to extinction?

What's the difference between a wallaby and a kangaroo?

If you want to determine whether you've got your hands on a wallaby or a kangaroo, you're going to have to pry open the animal's mouth and examine its molars.

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PETS

Pets make wonderful companions. Learn how to take care of pets, read about common pet behavior issues and injuries and pick up general pet care tips.

> How Dog Training Works
> Angelfish
> How Cat Shows Work
> Home Remedies for Cats
> 8 Top Dogs

WILD ANIMALS

Whether they crawl, fly, swim, slither, walk, run or pounce, wild animals rely on their instincts. Read about all kinds of wild animals, mammals, birds, fish, insects, reptiles and amphibians.

> How Snakes Work
> How Jellyfish Work
> How Bees Work
> How Walruses Work
> How Polar Bears Work

ANIMAL FACTS

Learn about some of the strange and unusual facts and terms in the animal kingdom.

> How Bioluminescence…
> 15 Tips for Surviving a…
> How Atavisms Work
> What if an astronaut…
> How Guide Dogs Work

ENDANGERED SPECIES

Endangered species are animal popluations that are at risk of extinction. Natural extinctions do occur, but human beings play an integral role in animal extinction and preservation.

> How the World Wildlife…
> Why would there be no…
> Are frogs on the brink…

EXTINCT ANIMALS

Extinct animals are those species which are no longer living. This group includes prehistoric animals like dinosaurs and ice-age mammals, as well as moden species like the Dodo.

> Dinosaur Discoveries
> Saurolophus
> Triassic and Early…
> Dinosaur Extinction
> Brachylophosaurus

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