Animals of the World

Animals are complex living beings composed of many cells. Additionally, they possess organs which enable them to reproduce.

The world is home to an abundance of animals, such as mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles. Each has its own purpose in life and plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystems in which it lives.

Sharks

Sharks are an elasmobranch fish (similar to rays and skates) with a cartilaginous skeleton. This unique trait allows them to swim long distances while staying afloat, unlike their ancestors who had bones embedded in their bones.

They possess five to seven gill slits on either side of their heads, which help them draw oxygen from water. This adaptation is essential when swimming in cold waters where oxygen levels are low.

Animals of various species consume different things depending on their species, but most are carnivores that eat fish, other sharks, squid and marine mammals. Furthermore, some have been known to scavenge other marine life such as whale carcasses.

Sloths

Sloths live high up in the trees of tropical rainforests. They eat, sleep, mate and even give birth upside down!

Their slow metabolism means they require approximately half the energy of mammals their size. Furthermore, their long, curved claws enable them to grasp onto tree branches for sustenance.

They rarely descend to the ground and are highly sensitive to dangers in their natural environments. Predators such as harpy eagles, jaguars and ocelots often attack these vulnerable creatures.

They rely on their algae-covered fur to blend in with the leafy forest canopy, making them less visible to predators such as hawks and cats that rely on sight when hunting.

Cheetahs

Cheetahs are majestic predators found across Africa. They can live in a variety of habitats, from dry forests and thick scrub to grasslands and the Sahara desert.

Cheetahs feed on a variety of small mammals, such as impala, springbok and Thomson's gazelles. They often hunt during the daytime using their eyes to track prey and locate it from a distance.

Female cheetahs typically live alone, though they may form coalitions with related males. While not as social as lions, they do exhibit some group behaviors like purring.

Cheetahs are in danger due to their wide geographic range, which is vulnerable to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. Furthermore, they often take prey from livestock owners; ranchers in particular are particularly sensitive to this threat as they may kill any cheetah that attacks their cattle.

Common Chimpanzees

Common chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) inhabit tropical rainforests and savanna woodlands across equatorial Africa. They sleep in trees and build nests out of leaves, as well as being able to move around by climbing and swinging from branches.

Omnivores, they feed on fruits, nuts and plant food items as well as insects and small mammals.

Chimpanzees typically live in social groups ranging in size from 15 to 150 members, with male leaders.

Conflicts within a group typically resolve without violence. However, rival groups may engage in combat to gain control of territory.

These apes use tools to search and collect food such as fruit, honey, termites, ants and nuts. They may also create sharpened sticks with which they can spear small mammals like snakes.

Clouded Leopard

The clouded leopard is a medium-sized cat that lives in dense forests of southern Asia. It can be commonly found throughout China, India, Myanmar, Thailand and Laos.

They are an endangered breed due to habitat loss and poaching, with the International Union for Conservation of Nature listing them as vulnerable.

These cats usually live in forests, climbing trees for shelter. They also hunt birds, monkeys and deer.

Similar to other cats, leopard cats possess a long tail and large paws with specialized foot pads for gripping tree branches. Furthermore, they can hang from their back legs which allows them to snag prey from high up in trees.

Common Octopus

Octopuses are molluscs belonging to the cephalopod group. They're an abundant marine species found worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and temperate water regions.

Sea urchins are solitary creatures that may be difficult to spot during the day. They usually hide under rocks or small spaces which are also used as hiding places by other sea creatures.

Ocean dwellers can be found in a range of habitats, such as coral reefs and sand plains. Additionally, they have been known to occupy man-made structures like seagrass beds.

Common octopuses are intelligent creatures that are vulnerable to environmental changes like temperature changes, acidification, pollution and habitat degradation. Furthermore, overfishing could pose a major threat.

Grizzly Bear

Grizzly bears inhabit forests, alpine meadows and prairies throughout inland Northern America. They are omnivores, feeding on insects, carrion (dead animals), fish, berries, clams and seeds.

They are apex predators, equipped with powerful front legs that enable them to run fast. Furthermore, their clawed hands allow them to dig for prey beneath the earth's surface.

Their long, rounded claws are large enough to dig into soft rocks and dirt, so they often make dens in mountain sides during the fall when food becomes scarce.

Female grizzlies typically mate in the spring and delay implantation of fertilized eggs until November, allowing them to give birth while hibernating in their den. Although they may breed multiple times during their lifetime and produce one or two litters, this makes them one of North America's slowest reproducing mammals with a life cycle that can last up to 20 years.

Harpy Eagle

The harpy eagle is an omnivorous bird of prey found throughout Central and South America. It primarily preys on arboreal mammals like monkeys and sloths, as well as reptiles and other small animals.

Mistook for a grizzly bear, the harpy eagle is actually the world's largest raptor and can reach an impressive six feet (1.5 meters) wingspan. Its hind talons measure four to five inches in length, giving it enough power to lift prey above their heads.

These raptors hunt by flying between trees and branches at high speed. Their diet consists of monkeys, porcupines, opossums, as well as smaller animals like iguanas and raccoons! Unfortunately, their habitat is threatened due to forest destruction and hunting activities; even though it has been protected in several countries, the harpy eagle population continues to decrease.

Hedgehog

Hedgehogs are small mammals that can be found around the world. Their habitat includes arid regions like deserts, forests and meadows as well as temperate climates.

Hedgehogs are protected by stiff, sharp spines which provide protection when threatened. If a hedgehog feels threatened they curl into a tight ball and remain there until it feels safe to move again.

They feed on a variety of things such as insects, berries, birds' eggs, nestlings and carrion. Their diet is essential to other animals because it provides them with essential nutrients.

Hippos

Hippos are among the largest land mammals, second only to elephants and white rhinos in size. They can swim for up to half a day and sleep under water for extended periods.

They communicate by making a resonant call - an deep bass rumbling sound that can be heard far away. Additionally, they make clicking noises under water to announce their presence to other hippos.

Wild female hippos give birth to one calf. They nurse it underwater for eight months, before introducing it to grass at three weeks of age.

Hippos typically live in groups of 10 to 15 animals, led by one dominant male. These creatures defend small territories made up of water and adjacent land from any potential threats. When drought disrupts their water supply, territorial disputes can ensue.