Animal Facts

Hate to say it, but some animals have jobs that are far more interesting — and more lucrative — than yours. Who are these lucky dogs?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

The Hydra is a fearsome, tiny predator that stings and swallows its prey — through a mouth it had to rip its own skin to create. But how does it do that?

By Robert Lamb

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself, said FDR, but he wasn't a biologist. Scientists examined what impact the fear of apex predators can have on an ecosystem.

By Jesslyn Shields

Don't worry about transmitting the cold or flu to your furry friends. In fact, some time cuddled up can help with your sickness.

By Laurie L. Dove

Will we witness personhood for other animals in our lifetime? It's not out of the question, thanks to a recent court decision.

By Dave Roos

In times of strife and conflict, it's good to remember that differences are OK. Here's a dose of adorable: nine interspecies interactions that didn't end up in a meal.

By Karen Kirkpatrick

No matter what your imagination can cook up, real life is weirder. Whether it's parasitic wasps or super-controlling ferns, reproduction can be mysterious, gross or even scary.

By Oisin Curran

Picture a herd of hundreds of horses fleeing a burning forest and running headlong into a wintery lake, which quickly flash-freezes the whole lot of them. Sounds pretty gruesome — and flat-out unbelievable. But did it actually happen? Could it?

By Kate Kershner

There are so many animals that are just so ridiculously cute that we seem to create these myths around them. We assume that because they are so attractive that they must be sweet and loving. More often then not, these animals are pretty awful. They are total jerks and often turn against their own without […] The post 8 Animals Who Are Total Jerks appeared first on Goliath.

By Cate Willikers

Researchers have investigated whether animals are capable of making a unique sound in response to joy.

By Debbie Swanson

Just how big do animals come? Dive backward through time and the fossil record in search of the most colossal member of kingdom Animalia.

By Robert Lamb

Ever wonder why some birds end up following a mother of another species? It has a lot to do with who (or what) is around when they hatch. So maybe keep your distance the next time you spot a nest.

By Jane McGrath

Join HowStuffWork's Robert Lamb as he visits Zoo Atlanta's new Scaly Slimy Spectacular home for reptiles and amphibians.

They're found in stupendous numbers, they don't take up much lab space and they have an awful lot to teach us about the world and its residents. Meet 10 of the insects we just can't stop studying.

By John Perritano

Marine biologists have discovered a lot about the ocean's residents while you were busy dozing on the beach. We've dug up 10 of their coolest discoveries.

By Nicholas Gerbis

The pink hippo milk myth is the ultimate lesson for those who believe everything they read on the Web.

By Bambi Turner

Fancy yourself a modern-day Jonah? Keep in mind that this most famous of whale tales never scientifically considers if a whale has ever really swallowed someone alive.

By Bambi Turner

The elephant graveyard lends an air of romance and mystery to the mighty animal, but in reality, it's just a myth.

By Bambi Turner

Pet owners love to brag about their furry friends, but have you ever wondered whether your dog or cat can count? You may be surprised to learn about the mathematical prowess of some common animals.

By Bambi Turner

Many humans are sure their pets understand a variety of commands – but what do the experts have to say? Read on to find out exactly how much animals grasp the English language.

By Bambi Turner

If you're plagued by rodents, the only sure way to catch them is to load a mousetrap with a large wedge of cheese, right? Wrong – to catch mice, think sweet!

By Bambi Turner

The dinos hog all the Cretaceous headlines. Do you have any idea what else scurried, hopped and otherwise cruised around Earth before the K-T mass extinction?

By John Perritano

Meet the pig: It can employ evasive maneuvers and play video games with joysticks, among other porcine talents. Kind of a whole different take on bacon, isn't it?

By Meisa Salaita

The world is full of cuddly koalas, loyal dogs and friendly dolphins. Or is it? Even positive animal stereotypes can be dangerous if they lead to humans making poor judgment calls.

By Beth Brindle

Ever been told you're as stubborn as a mule or blind as a bat? It might have been an unintended compliment. Many common sayings about animals are really off the mark.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus