Animals Facts for Kids
Amazing facts about creatures big and small
Walruses use their long ivory tusks to haul themselves out of the water and onto ice floes, which is why their scientific name Odobenus means 'tooth-walker.' The tusks also signal social status and are used in fights for territory.
The mimic octopus was only discovered in 1998 off the coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia, making it a relatively recent find. Scientists continue to discover new animal species every year, including many in the deep ocean.
Whale sharks can live for over 130 years, making them one of the longest-lived fish. Scientists estimate their age by counting growth rings in their vertebrae, similar to counting tree rings.
A hummingbird's heart beats up to 1,200 times per minute during flight. To fuel this incredible metabolism, it visits up to 2,000 flowers every day and eats more than its own weight in nectar.