Weird animals of the day!
- 1. STS BiologyWeird Animalsof the Day!
- 2. Animal of theDay #1HagfishClass: Agnatha17.7–23.6 in (45–60 cm)Found in deep waterJawless fish with unusual feeding habitsAvoid predators by “sliming” and tying self into overhand knot to scrap slime off after escapeUsed for meat and skinStatus: populations are plentiful
- 3. Animal of theDay #2Star-Nosed MoleClass: MammaliaNorth American15-20 cm in lengthUnique snout with a circle of 22 mobile, pink, fleshy tentaclesUsed to identify food by touch, such as worms, insects and crustaceansStatus: Critically endangered
- 4. Animal of theDay #3AxolotlClass: Amphibia3.5–13.8 in (90–350 mm) in total lengthNative to MexicoNo metamorphosis—adults remain aquatic and gilledUsed in scientific research b/c can regenerate most body partsStatus: critically endangered
- 5. Animal of theDay #4Dumbo OctopusPhylum: MolluscaGrow up to 20 cmHave ear-like fins at the top of their bodiesLives in the benthic zone, living at extreme depthsStatus: not considered to be endangered
- 6. Animal of theDay #5Frill-Necked LizardClass: Reptiliaa.k.a. “Frilled Dragon”1 meter in lengthLarge ruff of skin supported by spines of cartilage, exposed when scaredFrill might help with thermoregulationRuns bipedally, often climbs trees to avoid predatorsStatus: endangered
- 7. Animal of theDay #6NarwhalClass: MammaliaType of white whale13–16 ft (4–5 m)1,500–3,500 lb (680–1,590 kg)10 ft (3 m) tuskFound in the ArcticNamed after word “nar” in Nordic meaning corpse, referring to color of skinStatus: vulnerable
- 8. Animal of theDay #7BlobfishClass: OsteicthyesNative to AustraliaFound at depths where the pressure is 30 times higher than at sea levelPrimarily a gelatinous mass, allows fish to float above sea floor without expending energyVery little muscleSwallows edible matter that floats by in front itStatus: Not known to be endangered
- 9. Animal of theDay #8Yeti CrabPhylum: Arthropoda15 cm (6 inches) longSilky blond setae covers its thoracic legs, including clawsPincers contain bacteria, which is used to detoxify poisonous minerals from the water emitted by the hydrothermal vents where it lives. Status: Not thought to be endangered
- 10. Animal of theDay #9Pink Fairy ArmadilloClass: MammaliaNative to dry areas of ArgentinaSmallest species of armadillo 90-115 mm long pale rose or pink in colorIt has the ability to bury itself completely in a matter of seconds if frightenedStatus: Endangered