Nature’s balance depends on a web of predatory animals that have teeth, claws, speed and other adaptations for catching their food. This balance also hinges on prey animals with clever defenses to avoid becoming food.
The largest American alligator on record measured 19 feet, 2 inches, and it lived in Louisiana.
Different kinds of aquatic (water-dwelling) animals use similar tricks of the survival trade. This section demonstrates this point with a look an aquatic bird and a water-loving mammal.
The earliest known fossils of modern humans, Homo sapiens, were found in Africa. They date back roughly 200,000 years.
From deadly venoms to insect repellants to stink bombs, animals produce and use powerful chemicals to attack food and repel danger.
The platypus has a venomous spur on each of its hind ankles. It is one of only three known egg-laying mammals. (The other two, called echidnas, look like small spiny anteaters.)
In the wild world of nature, survival often depends on sitting in one place and looking like something you’re not. It’s all about adaptations that fool the eye.
How do all alligators look different from crocodiles? The standard rule is this: When a croc’s mouth is closed, the fourth pair of teeth on its lower jaw is visible. On alligators these teeth are covered up.
Tusks, spines, and even sharp toenails are just some of the adaptations animals use, to defend themselves from predators.
To defend its young, a tiger will attack an elephant, which can be 20 times the cat's weight. Sounds like any mother who is protective of her young.
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