The post Can You Guess What Was the First Animal to Fly Into Space? appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The era of animals flying into space was pioneered by the U.S.-launched V-2 rocket in 1947 when fruit flies became the first living organisms to go to space. This mission paved the way for human exploration after the flies made it back alive, they were chosen for the mission after scientists discovered that humans and fruit flies share many genes.
A rhesus monkey Albert II became the first mammal, the first monkey, and the first primate to travel to outer space, aboard a U.S. V-2 rocket in 1949. He didn’t make it back alive after his capsule struck the ground at high speed due to parachute failure.
The Soviet space program launched several dogs into space during the 50s, starting with Dezik and Tsygan in 1951. They were the first dogs to make a sub-orbital flight and return to Earth, while the legendary Laika made history as the first animal to orbit the Earth aboard the Sputnik 2 spacecraft in 1957.
The post Can You Guess What Was the First Animal to Fly Into Space? appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The post 5 Differences Between Kangaroos and Wallaroos You Should Know About appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The main difference between wallaroos and kangaroos is their size. Wallaroos usually reach the size of around 5 feet and weigh around 120 pounds, so they’re much smaller than some of the larger kangaroo species, such as red kangaroos.
In addition to their size, there are many other physical characteristics that set these animals apart. Kangaroos tend to have a more slender body and smaller front limbs when compared to wallaroos.
Despite both having pretty large feet, the way kangaroos and wallaroos move is quite different. Wallaroos jump more upright compared to kangaroos because their legs are much shorter.
Kangaroos and wallaroos tend to inhabit different natural habitats. Kangaroos can mostly be found in the open grasslands and woodlands, while wallaroos prefer mountains, hillsides, and tropical forests.
In terms of behavior and lifestyle, wallaroos aren’t as social as kangaroos. While kangaroos live in large groups called mobs, counting between 10 and 100 members, wallaroos are mostly solitary, with the exception of antilopine wallaroos.
The post 5 Differences Between Kangaroos and Wallaroos You Should Know About appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The post 3 Mind-Blowing Facts About Lizards appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>One of the most dramatic survival strategies in the animal world belongs to lizards: tail autotomy. When threatened by a predator, many lizard species can voluntarily detach their tails. This decoy maneuver distracts the predator and allows the lizard a precious chance to escape.
The basilisk lizard, often dubbed the “Jesus Christ Lizard,” has an incredible ability to run on water. Thanks to its specially designed feet and unique stride, the basilisk can sprint approximately 5 feet per second across water surfaces!
While many reptiles are not known for their parenting skills, some lizard species go the extra mile to ensure the safety and well-being of their offspring. For instance, the female five-lined skink guards her eggs fiercely until they hatch. Other species, like the Australian skink, give birth to live young—a rarity in the reptilian world—and protect them for extended periods.
The post 3 Mind-Blowing Facts About Lizards appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The post Fun Facts About Bats You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>Wherever you find yourself on Earth, there is a high chance that at least one of 1,300 bat species is living there. Bats are found in all parts of the world except extreme deserts and polar regions.
If you spent your whole life thinking bats are blind, we don’t blame you. This is arguably one of the most popular myths about animals out there. But the truth is that bats actually can see pretty well, and some species have better sight than humans. This, alongside their superb hearing, allows them to navigate in complete darkness.
This one might change your opinion on bats. Bats mostly feed on insects and bugs, helping to keep their population in check. This is particularly the case with mosquitoes, with one bat being able to consume more than 1,000 of these pesky insects in an hour. On top of that, they help pollinate over 300 species of fruit.
The largest bat species is the giant golden-crowned flying fox, which lives in the Philippines and has a wingspan of almost 6 feet. On the other hand, the smallest species is the Kitti’s hog-nosed bat, also known as the bumblebee bat, which weighs less than a penny and can fit on the tip of a human finger.
The post Fun Facts About Bats You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The post Fun Facts About Ladybugs You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>When someone mentions ladybugs, we immediately picture a red insect with black spots. But not all ladybugs are like this. They come in all sorts of colors, ranging from yellow to brown, and some have stripes instead of black spots.
The color and markings of a ladybug serve as a warning to potential predators like frogs and birds; when this doesn’t work, they turn to their secret weapon: a liquid that is so smelly that it chases away anyone who might think about eating them.
Ladybugs are one of the gardener’s best friends. They enjoy snacking on garden pests, including fruit flies, mites, and aphids, preventing them from damaging the plants.
Despite their name, ladybugs don’t meet the criteria for being a bug. Instead, they are considered beetles. For example, regular bugs have mostly liquid diets, rarely have wings, and don’t go through metamorphosis. Ladybugs, on the other hand, go through metamorphosis, have the ability to chew their food, and have wings with hard shells like all other beetles.
The post Fun Facts About Ladybugs You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The post Fun Facts About Raccoons You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>Studies have shown that raccoons are among the smartest animals in the wild. If they manage to do a certain task, they will still remember the solution three years later. They are also considered highly trainable.
Raccoons have developed vocalization skills. They are able to produce more than 50 different sounds ranging from squealing to hissing and even purring.
Raccoons can be found in all parts of the United States except the desert and rocky mountains. They live in all surroundings, with their only requirement being that there is a source of water nearby.
Raccoons are known as loners of the animal world. They usually don’t live in groups and are known to mate with multiple partners during their lifespan. In the latter case, the female raccoon is responsible for raising raccoon babies, while the male raccoon runs away from the responsibility.
There is a reason you encounter raccoons almost exclusively at night. They are nocturnal animals, meaning they sleep during the day and get out to look for food at night.
The post Fun Facts About Raccoons You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The post New Study Finds That Horses Can Plan Ahead & Think Strategically appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The Nottingham Trent University study analyzed horses’ responses to a reward-based game, which involved three stages and 20 horses. The first stage saw them rewarded with a treat for touching a piece of card with their noses, while the researchers started using a “stop light” in the second stage and only gave them a snack if they touched the card while the light was off.
Their behavior didn’t change when the “stop light” was introduced, but something shifted in the final stage. The team introduced a 10-second timeout penalty if the horses touched the card while the stop light was on, and saw them adjust their behavior and learn the rules of the game to get the treat.
The study was published in the Applied Animal Behaviour Science journal and it offers new evidence about horses’ cognitive abilities.
“Previously, research has suggested that horses simply respond to stimuli in the moment, they don’t proactively look ahead, think ahead, and plan their actions – whereas our study shows that they do have an awareness of the consequences and outcomes of their actions,” said Louise Evans according to The Guardian.
The post New Study Finds That Horses Can Plan Ahead & Think Strategically appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The post 5 Mind-Blowing Facts About Anteaters That Sound Truly Unreal appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>Tongues are one of the most unique parts of anteaters’ anatomy. They can be up to two feet long and come covered in small, spine-like protrusions and sticky saliva, helping these animals gather food.
Despite having pretty impressive tongues, there’s not much else going on in anteaters’ mouths. Tongues and their knife-like claws do all the work when it comes to gathering food because they have no teeth.
Despite what their name might suggest, anteaters eat much more than ants. In addition to being able to eat up to 30,000 ants and termites a day, fruit, bird eggs, worms, and other insects can also be a part of their diet.
Since most of the food they consume has little to no nutritious or energy value, anteaters have one of the lowest body temperatures among mammals and their bodies adapt by conserving energy.
Anteaters have pretty unique birthing habits, and it’s common for females to deliver their babies in an upright position, using their tails for support.
The post 5 Mind-Blowing Facts About Anteaters That Sound Truly Unreal appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The post Fun Facts About Mosquitoes You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>Only the female mosquitoes will bite you, as they need your blood to provide protein for their eggs. Additionally, they produce that high-pitched buzzing sound that sounds so annoying. Male mosquitoes feed on nectar and largely stay away from humans.
Wonder why the mosquitoes are buzzing around you? Well, it’s because of your breath and body odor. Studies have shown that mosquitoes are drawn to carbon dioxide, which we exhale while breathing, but scientists are still unsure why. Additionally, these annoying insects are great at picking up scents, especially ones coming from our bodies.
If it is a full moon outside, you are better off closing all the windows and staying inside. This is because mosquitoes are more active during the full moon, with one study showing that mosquito bite frequency increases by up to 500% during these conditions. One of the reasons is that the moonlight lowers the effectiveness of artificial lights in attracting mosquitoes.
It might seem that mosquitoes are lightning fast, especially when you are chasing them around the room. But the truth is that their flying speed is just around 1.5 miles per hour, quite slower compared to bees or flies.
The post Fun Facts About Mosquitoes You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The post Fun Facts About Cockroaches You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>This might sound like a myth, but it is actually true. Cockroaches are able to survive up to a week without their head. They are able to do so thanks to the special position of their respiratory system, which is the position on their body, and the fact that they can survive days without food.
Cockroaches evolved to be able to do anything. This includes human food, other insects, and even stuff like paper and wood. Additionally, they are known to eat each other if the food sources are scarce.
Wonder how cockroaches got in your house? Well, they probably found a small crack in the floor, walls, or door that even you are not aware of. With their super elastic exoskeletons, they can squeeze through the tiniest cracks and openings that are the size of a quarter of their body.
Water doesn’t present any real danger to cockroaches. They are able to hold their breath for a long time and can survive being submerged in the water for up to 40 minutes.
The post Fun Facts About Cockroaches You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The post Can You Guess What Was the First Animal to Fly Into Space? appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The era of animals flying into space was pioneered by the U.S.-launched V-2 rocket in 1947 when fruit flies became the first living organisms to go to space. This mission paved the way for human exploration after the flies made it back alive, they were chosen for the mission after scientists discovered that humans and fruit flies share many genes.
A rhesus monkey Albert II became the first mammal, the first monkey, and the first primate to travel to outer space, aboard a U.S. V-2 rocket in 1949. He didn’t make it back alive after his capsule struck the ground at high speed due to parachute failure.
The Soviet space program launched several dogs into space during the 50s, starting with Dezik and Tsygan in 1951. They were the first dogs to make a sub-orbital flight and return to Earth, while the legendary Laika made history as the first animal to orbit the Earth aboard the Sputnik 2 spacecraft in 1957.
The post Can You Guess What Was the First Animal to Fly Into Space? appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The post 5 Differences Between Kangaroos and Wallaroos You Should Know About appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The main difference between wallaroos and kangaroos is their size. Wallaroos usually reach the size of around 5 feet and weigh around 120 pounds, so they’re much smaller than some of the larger kangaroo species, such as red kangaroos.
In addition to their size, there are many other physical characteristics that set these animals apart. Kangaroos tend to have a more slender body and smaller front limbs when compared to wallaroos.
Despite both having pretty large feet, the way kangaroos and wallaroos move is quite different. Wallaroos jump more upright compared to kangaroos because their legs are much shorter.
Kangaroos and wallaroos tend to inhabit different natural habitats. Kangaroos can mostly be found in the open grasslands and woodlands, while wallaroos prefer mountains, hillsides, and tropical forests.
In terms of behavior and lifestyle, wallaroos aren’t as social as kangaroos. While kangaroos live in large groups called mobs, counting between 10 and 100 members, wallaroos are mostly solitary, with the exception of antilopine wallaroos.
The post 5 Differences Between Kangaroos and Wallaroos You Should Know About appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The post 3 Mind-Blowing Facts About Lizards appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>One of the most dramatic survival strategies in the animal world belongs to lizards: tail autotomy. When threatened by a predator, many lizard species can voluntarily detach their tails. This decoy maneuver distracts the predator and allows the lizard a precious chance to escape.
The basilisk lizard, often dubbed the “Jesus Christ Lizard,” has an incredible ability to run on water. Thanks to its specially designed feet and unique stride, the basilisk can sprint approximately 5 feet per second across water surfaces!
While many reptiles are not known for their parenting skills, some lizard species go the extra mile to ensure the safety and well-being of their offspring. For instance, the female five-lined skink guards her eggs fiercely until they hatch. Other species, like the Australian skink, give birth to live young—a rarity in the reptilian world—and protect them for extended periods.
The post 3 Mind-Blowing Facts About Lizards appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The post Fun Facts About Bats You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>Wherever you find yourself on Earth, there is a high chance that at least one of 1,300 bat species is living there. Bats are found in all parts of the world except extreme deserts and polar regions.
If you spent your whole life thinking bats are blind, we don’t blame you. This is arguably one of the most popular myths about animals out there. But the truth is that bats actually can see pretty well, and some species have better sight than humans. This, alongside their superb hearing, allows them to navigate in complete darkness.
This one might change your opinion on bats. Bats mostly feed on insects and bugs, helping to keep their population in check. This is particularly the case with mosquitoes, with one bat being able to consume more than 1,000 of these pesky insects in an hour. On top of that, they help pollinate over 300 species of fruit.
The largest bat species is the giant golden-crowned flying fox, which lives in the Philippines and has a wingspan of almost 6 feet. On the other hand, the smallest species is the Kitti’s hog-nosed bat, also known as the bumblebee bat, which weighs less than a penny and can fit on the tip of a human finger.
The post Fun Facts About Bats You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The post Fun Facts About Ladybugs You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>When someone mentions ladybugs, we immediately picture a red insect with black spots. But not all ladybugs are like this. They come in all sorts of colors, ranging from yellow to brown, and some have stripes instead of black spots.
The color and markings of a ladybug serve as a warning to potential predators like frogs and birds; when this doesn’t work, they turn to their secret weapon: a liquid that is so smelly that it chases away anyone who might think about eating them.
Ladybugs are one of the gardener’s best friends. They enjoy snacking on garden pests, including fruit flies, mites, and aphids, preventing them from damaging the plants.
Despite their name, ladybugs don’t meet the criteria for being a bug. Instead, they are considered beetles. For example, regular bugs have mostly liquid diets, rarely have wings, and don’t go through metamorphosis. Ladybugs, on the other hand, go through metamorphosis, have the ability to chew their food, and have wings with hard shells like all other beetles.
The post Fun Facts About Ladybugs You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The post Fun Facts About Raccoons You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>Studies have shown that raccoons are among the smartest animals in the wild. If they manage to do a certain task, they will still remember the solution three years later. They are also considered highly trainable.
Raccoons have developed vocalization skills. They are able to produce more than 50 different sounds ranging from squealing to hissing and even purring.
Raccoons can be found in all parts of the United States except the desert and rocky mountains. They live in all surroundings, with their only requirement being that there is a source of water nearby.
Raccoons are known as loners of the animal world. They usually don’t live in groups and are known to mate with multiple partners during their lifespan. In the latter case, the female raccoon is responsible for raising raccoon babies, while the male raccoon runs away from the responsibility.
There is a reason you encounter raccoons almost exclusively at night. They are nocturnal animals, meaning they sleep during the day and get out to look for food at night.
The post Fun Facts About Raccoons You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The post New Study Finds That Horses Can Plan Ahead & Think Strategically appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The Nottingham Trent University study analyzed horses’ responses to a reward-based game, which involved three stages and 20 horses. The first stage saw them rewarded with a treat for touching a piece of card with their noses, while the researchers started using a “stop light” in the second stage and only gave them a snack if they touched the card while the light was off.
Their behavior didn’t change when the “stop light” was introduced, but something shifted in the final stage. The team introduced a 10-second timeout penalty if the horses touched the card while the stop light was on, and saw them adjust their behavior and learn the rules of the game to get the treat.
The study was published in the Applied Animal Behaviour Science journal and it offers new evidence about horses’ cognitive abilities.
“Previously, research has suggested that horses simply respond to stimuli in the moment, they don’t proactively look ahead, think ahead, and plan their actions – whereas our study shows that they do have an awareness of the consequences and outcomes of their actions,” said Louise Evans according to The Guardian.
The post New Study Finds That Horses Can Plan Ahead & Think Strategically appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The post 5 Mind-Blowing Facts About Anteaters That Sound Truly Unreal appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>Tongues are one of the most unique parts of anteaters’ anatomy. They can be up to two feet long and come covered in small, spine-like protrusions and sticky saliva, helping these animals gather food.
Despite having pretty impressive tongues, there’s not much else going on in anteaters’ mouths. Tongues and their knife-like claws do all the work when it comes to gathering food because they have no teeth.
Despite what their name might suggest, anteaters eat much more than ants. In addition to being able to eat up to 30,000 ants and termites a day, fruit, bird eggs, worms, and other insects can also be a part of their diet.
Since most of the food they consume has little to no nutritious or energy value, anteaters have one of the lowest body temperatures among mammals and their bodies adapt by conserving energy.
Anteaters have pretty unique birthing habits, and it’s common for females to deliver their babies in an upright position, using their tails for support.
The post 5 Mind-Blowing Facts About Anteaters That Sound Truly Unreal appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The post Fun Facts About Mosquitoes You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>Only the female mosquitoes will bite you, as they need your blood to provide protein for their eggs. Additionally, they produce that high-pitched buzzing sound that sounds so annoying. Male mosquitoes feed on nectar and largely stay away from humans.
Wonder why the mosquitoes are buzzing around you? Well, it’s because of your breath and body odor. Studies have shown that mosquitoes are drawn to carbon dioxide, which we exhale while breathing, but scientists are still unsure why. Additionally, these annoying insects are great at picking up scents, especially ones coming from our bodies.
If it is a full moon outside, you are better off closing all the windows and staying inside. This is because mosquitoes are more active during the full moon, with one study showing that mosquito bite frequency increases by up to 500% during these conditions. One of the reasons is that the moonlight lowers the effectiveness of artificial lights in attracting mosquitoes.
It might seem that mosquitoes are lightning fast, especially when you are chasing them around the room. But the truth is that their flying speed is just around 1.5 miles per hour, quite slower compared to bees or flies.
The post Fun Facts About Mosquitoes You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>The post Fun Facts About Cockroaches You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>This might sound like a myth, but it is actually true. Cockroaches are able to survive up to a week without their head. They are able to do so thanks to the special position of their respiratory system, which is the position on their body, and the fact that they can survive days without food.
Cockroaches evolved to be able to do anything. This includes human food, other insects, and even stuff like paper and wood. Additionally, they are known to eat each other if the food sources are scarce.
Wonder how cockroaches got in your house? Well, they probably found a small crack in the floor, walls, or door that even you are not aware of. With their super elastic exoskeletons, they can squeeze through the tiniest cracks and openings that are the size of a quarter of their body.
Water doesn’t present any real danger to cockroaches. They are able to hold their breath for a long time and can survive being submerged in the water for up to 40 minutes.
The post Fun Facts About Cockroaches You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.
]]>