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Frogs are small animals that can jump very well. Frogs are similar to toads. However, a frog has smooth skin and long legs. A toad has rough skin and shorter legs.

Frogs are found throughout the world except in very cold places. They are most common in rain forests. Frogs are amphibians, meaning that they can live in water or on land. Most frogs spend most of their lives in water. Some live in underground holes or in trees.

A frog has smooth, moist skin and big, bulging eyes. Its hind legs are more than twice as long as its front ones. Most frogs have webbed back feet to help them leap and swim. Tree frogs have sticky disks on the tips of their fingers and toes. These disks help them climb slippery surfaces.

Many frogs are tiny. They can be less than an inch (2.5 centimeters) long. The largest frogs are about a foot (30 centimeters) long. Most frogs are green, brown, gray, or yellow. Some are brightly colored.

A frog catches prey by flicking out its long, sticky tongue. Most frogs eat insects and worms. Some also eat other frogs, rodents, and reptiles.

Frogs have glands in their skin that make poison. But this poison does not protect them from snakes, birds, and other enemies. Instead, frogs most often protect themselves by blending in with their surroundings.

Frogs usually lay their eggs in water. There can be hundreds or thousands of eggs. Within a few weeks the eggs hatch into tadpoles. Tadpoles are fishlike creatures that breathe through gills instead of lungs. To become an adult frog, a tadpole loses its tail and develops lungs and limbs.

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Frogs are small animals that can jump very well. Frogs are similar to toads. However, a frog has smooth skin and long legs. A toad has rough skin and shorter legs. Frogs are...

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Frogs are very fascinating creatures. There are more than 5,700 different species of them. They belong to amphibian family. The branch of science that includes the study of amphibians and reptiles is known as Herpetology and the person who studies is known as Herpetologist. A frog can jump more than 20 times of its own height. They are very sensitive to movement and have excellent night vision. Frogs are cold blooded like other amphibians. Although they are fresh water creatures but some species can also live in brackish or completely saltwater.
Quick Facts: -

The Goliath Frog in West Africa is the largest frog in the West Africa. The Cuban tree toad is the smallest species.

They were the first land animals with vocal chords.

Males fertilize the eggs outside the female's body.

Females can lay as many as 4,000 eggs in frogspawn.

Most of the poisonous frogs are bright coloured. It is kind of a warning sign for predators.

The marsupial frog keeps her eggs in a pouch like kangaroo and after hatching, spills them into the water.

Frogs have bulging eyes that help them to see in front, to both the sides and partially behind them.

They have teeth on their upper jaw which help them to keep the prey in one place until they can swallow it.

They do not drink water. They get the required amount as they absorb water by using their skin.

There is no scientific distinction between frogs and toads. They both belong to the Anura order but found in different families.

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Frogs are very fascinating creatures. There are more than 5,700 different species of them. They belong to amphibian family. The branch of science that includes the study of amphibians and reptiles is known as Herpetology and the person who studies is known as Herpetologist. A frog can jump more than 20 times of its own height.

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Frogs are amphibians of the order Anura. There is not much difference between frogs and toads, and they are not classified separately. This is because the toad lifestyle, with its dry, rough, skin, is an adaptation to living in drier habitats. The toad form has evolved a number of times independently, an example of convergent evolution.

Frogs can live on land and in fresh water. They cannot survive in salt water. Their development is by metamorphosis. They usually hatch as tadpoles from eggs, which are laid by a female frog. The eggs are called frogspawn. Tadpoles have tails and gills. The next stage, the "froglet," develops lungs to breathe air instead of gills, but still have tails. The fully grown frog has long legs and no tail.

Adult frogs can jump with their legs. They have long tongues that they use to catch bugs. They make a sound called a croak. Some species live in trees, and some types of frog are protected by being poisonous. Frogs live all over the world. If a foreign species of frogs is introduced to another country, the local ecosystem might be affected.

Frog legs are sometimes eaten as food in France, China, and the Midwest of the United States. The killing of frogs might have an effect on the ecosystem. For example, frogs eat mosquitoes. If frogs are killed, then there are fewer frogs to eat mosquitoes, so more and more mosquitoes are born. Therefore, in these areas, there are more diseases that mosquitoes carry, because there are more mosquitoes. However, for this to apply, frogs would have to be a major predator of mosquitoes. This would only rarely be the case.

Frogs are members of the class Lissamphibia, the only class of amphibia which has survived to the present day.

Characteristics

Frogs are cold blooded animals. This means that they need heat to keep up their body temperature. If the temperature outside is cold, amphibians will not be active. Amphibians can get heat from the sun, usually indirectly: whereas reptiles can bask in the sun, amphibia usually do not, because it dries their skin. Some frogs aestivate during winter or during droughts. They usually look for underground place to aestivate. These include burrowing in muds and holes. They survive by getting oxygen through their skin. They come out when the weather outside is favourable.

The structure of the feet and legs varies greatly among frog species, depending in part on whether they live primarily on the ground, in water, in trees or in burrows. Frogs must be able to move quickly through their environment to catch prey and escape predators, and numerous adaptations help them to do so. Most frogs are either proficient at jumping or are descended from ancestors that were.

The call or croak of a frog is unique to its species. Frogs create this sound by passing air through the larynx in the throat. In most calling frogs, the sound is amplified by one or more vocal sacs. Some frog calls are so loud that they can be heard up to a mile away, the main reason for calling is to allow male frogs to attract a mate.

Frogs have skin with no scales or hair. They can take in oxygen from either water or air. Mucus that helps their skin to stay wet and slippery. Many amphibians have toxic skin. They have secretions which makes their skin poisonous.

Many frogs are semi- aquatic. They may live on both land and in water, and in any event prefer damp places. These include ponds, swamps, rivers and lakes. Most adults live where they grew up. Most amphibians lay their eggs in foam nests. Frogs can hear both in the air and below water.

Camouflage is a common defensive mechanism in frogs. Most camouflaged frogs are nocturnal; during the day, they seek out a position where they can blend into the background and remain undetected.

At the end of the tadpole stage, a frog undergoes metamorphosis in which its body makes a sudden transition into the adult form. This metamorphosis typically lasts only 24 hours, and is initiated by production of the hormone thyroxine. This causes different tissues to develop in different ways.

The principal changes that take place include the development of the lungs and the disappearance of the gills and gill pouch, making the front legs visible. The lower jaw transforms into the big mandible of the carnivorous adult, and the long, spiral gut of the herbivorous tadpole is replaced by the typical short gut of a predator. The nervous system becomes adapted for hearing and vision, and for new methods of movement and feeding.

The eyes are repositioned higher up on the head and the eyelids and associated glands are formed. The eardrum, middle ear, and inner ear are developed. The skin becomes thicker and tougher and skin glands are developed. The final stage is the disappearance of the tail, but this takes place rather later, the tissue being used to produce a spurt of growth in the limbs. Frogs are at their most vulnerable to predators when they are undergoing metamorphosis. At this time, the tail is being lost and movement by means of limbs is only just becoming established.

Variations in development

Even though it is true that most frogs develop from tadpoles, and tadpoles develop from eggs laid in water, though there are exceptions. Normally the eggs are fertilised after they are laid, that is, outside the body. However, some use internal fertilisation, though how the males do it is not known. When they are fertilised internally, they also lay eggs, but this time the eggs are already fertilised.

However, a new species has been discovered in Sulawasi, Indonesia, which gives birth to live tadpoles. The frog is now known as Limnonectes larvaepartus.

The Limnonectes family are known as 'fanged frogs' because of twin projections on their lower jaws that are used in fighting. Sulawesi is an island which is rapidly losing its forests. The tropical forest is where this frog lives.

The largest frog is the African Goliath frog (Conraua goliath). The maximum recoreded weight is 3.8 kg (8.4 lb), and a snout-to-vent length of 39 cm (15 in).

Paedophryne amauensis is not just the smallest frog, but the smallest vertebrate, 7.7 millimetres (0.30 in) long.

Distribution and habitats

Frogs are widespread, and have adapted to many climates, even deserts. They rely on specific adaptations to survive. Members of the genus live in the Australian central desert. They bury themselves underground where they create a waterproof cocoon in which to aestivate during dry periods. Once it rains, they come out, find a temporary pool, and breed. Egg and tadpole development is very fast in comparison to those of most other frogs, so breeding can be completed before the pond dries up.

Some frog species are adapted to a cold environment. The wood frog ( Rana sylvatica), whose habitat extends into the Arctic Circle, buries itself in the ground during winter. Although much of its body freezes during this time, it maintains a high concentration of glucose in its vital organs, which protects them from damage.

There are a number of tiny tree frogs which develop from eggs laid in water pools on tropical leaves many meters above the ground. Most of these species do not come to the ground except to mate. Tree frogs have evolved a number of times, but they all have almost identical adaptations. Many millions of years of convergent evolution have resulted in almost identical morphology and habits.

Overall, frogs are a successful and widespread group. There are about 4,800 recorded species, which is over 85% of living amphibian species. They are one of the five most diverse vertebrate orders.

Frog legs are eaten by humans in many parts of the world. French cuisses de grenouille or frog legs dish is a traditional dish. The dish is also common in French-speaking parts of Louisiana, particularly the Cajun areas of Southern Louisiana as well as New Orleans, United States. In Asia, frog legs are consumed in China, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.

Chinese edible frog and pig frogs are farmed and consumed on a large scale in some areas of China. Frog legs are part of Chinese Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine. In Indonesia, frog-leg soup is known as or swike. Indonesia is the world's largest exporter of frog meat, exporting more than 5,000 tonnes of frog meat each year, mostly to France, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Originally, they were supplied from local wild populations, but over-exploitation led to a reduction in the size of the supply. This resulted in the development of frog farming and a global trade in frogs. The main importing countries are France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the United States, while the chief exporting nations are Indonesia and China. The annual global trade in the American bullfrog, mostly farmed in China, varies between 1200 and 2400 tonnes.

The mountain chicken frog, so-called as it tastes of chicken is now endangered, in part due to human consumption and was a major food choice of the Dominicans.

Images for kids

Variegated golden frog ( Mantella baroni) in the Ranomafana National Park of Madagascar

Although frogs are most diverse in warm regions, a few species like the wood frog even live at the Arctic Circle

In Spanish: Anura para niños

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Learn All About Frogs and Toads | Facts for Kids

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Cartoons have been made about them, as well as movies where they've shown off their dancing skills.

Although penguins probably aren't dancing around on the ice, there are still many amazing things they can do!

Keep reading to learn some interesting facts about penguins.

What are the characteristics of a penguin?

Penguins belong to the bird family but they cannot fly. They have black and white feathers that make excellent camouflage, and they have a special layer of feathers which helps to keep them warm.

They spend half of their life on land and the other half swimming in the water, so their wings have changed to act like flippers which makes them great swimmers.

Penguins are known for waddling their feet when they walk, and they also slide on their bellies across the snow. Both of these help them move while saving their energy.

Where do penguins live?

Almost all groups of penguins live in the Southern Hemisphere, which is the bottom half of the Earth. There is one group, the Galápagos penguin, that lives in a different part of the world, but this is not very common.

When we think about penguins, a lot of people usually think they all live in freezing cold climates like Antarctica.

While some penguin specie do live there, most penguins live in warmer areas. Penguins have adapted for life in the water, and they spend a lot of their time in or near the ocean.

Most groups of penguins can be found in Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa.

What are the Different Types of Penguin Species?

There are eighteen different kinds of species in Penguin. Each species has unique characteristics, including size, coloration, and behavior.

Some of the penguin species:

The Little Blue Penguin has a blue-grey back and white belly, with slate blue feathering on their head and wings.

Crested Penguins have yellow feather crests on their heads.

Fairy Penguins have blue-grey back and white belly and 16 inches tall, and weigh 1 kg.

Gentoo Penguins have a white belly and a bright orange-red beak.

Galapagos Penguins have a black back and white belly, with a distinctive black band across their chest.

What do penguins eat?

Most penguins eat krill (which is kind of like shrimp), fish, squid, and other types of sea life that they can catch while they swim in the water.

Do penguins have any predators?

Penguins have a few predators and these include sharks, orcas, and leopard seals. Humans used to hunt penguins for their oil and eggs, but because penguins are protected, this is now illegal.

How do penguins protect themselves?

One of the biggest ways that penguins protect themselves is by living in large groups.

Many predators will be less likely to attack if there are a lot of penguins around, and this also helps because there are so many of them keeping lookout.

Another way penguins protect themselves is by their special camouflage on their feathers which is called countershading.

Penguins have black feathers on their backs and white on their fronts, so if a predator is looking up from the water, like an orca or a leopard seal, they will have a hard time seeing the penguin because of the bright water surface.

Finally, penguins are excellent swimmers and can outswim a lot of their predators.

If they get close to land, they can jump out of the water at a high speed and quickly escape the threat.

Explorers first called them "Strange Geese."

The Galapagos penguin first bumped into the explorers who visited the Galapagos Islands in the 16th century. These penguins were mistaken for strange geese as they were unfamiliar with penguins. Later scientists realized that the birds were a penguin species and named them the Galapagos penguin.

Climate change is also a threat to the Galapagos penguin. Sea temperatures can impact penguins' ability to find food, as their prey species may migrate to cooler waters. Efforts are being made to protect the Galapagos penguin.

Penguins don't have teeth.

No, Penguins do not have teeth. They have small spines or barbs on the tongues and the roof of their mouths that help them grip and swallow their prey. Penguins do not chew their food; they use the powerful muscles in their stomachs to break down and digest it. Penguins are expert hunters and can dive to depths of up to 500 feet to catch their prey. Once they catch their prey, penguins use their barbed tongues and mouths to grip and swallow it whole.

Why are penguins called flightless birds?

Penguins are a group of flightless birds that have adapted to life in the water. As penguins cannot fly, they have developed a unique talent that allows them to swim and dive with incredible speed and agility. One of the striking adaptations of penguins is their ability to "fly" underwater. Penguins can swim up to 22 miles per hour and dive to depths over 500 feet. Penguins also have the ability to waterproof feathers that keep them warm and dry while diving.

Emperor Penguins can Hold Their Breath Underwater for an Average of 20 Minutes.

Yes, Emperor penguins can hold their breath underwater for an average of 20 to 27 minutes. Emperor Penguins are the largest species of penguins. This adaption of holding their breath for so long helps them to dive to depths of over 500 meters in search of food. While hunting for food, emperor penguins can swim up to 8 miles per hour using their wings to propel themselves through the water. An Emperor penguin can consume up to 4.4 pounds of food in a single feeding session.

Why are penguins called business goose?

The Chinese word for penguin, 企鹅 (qǐ'é), is made up of two characters: 企 (qǐ) and 鹅 (é). The character 企 (qǐ) means "Business," while 鹅 (é) means "goose." When these two characters are combined, they create a word that literally translates to "business goose." The reason for this translation is unclear, but it is believed that penguins, like geese, stand upright and have long necks. Chinese people use the term 企鹅 (qǐ'é) to refer to penguins without any reference to geese or business.

The Oldest Penguin Fossil

The oldest penguin fossil was discovered in 1982 on Seymour Island, off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. The fossil was found by a team of paleontologists led by Dr. Ewan Fordyce from the University of Otago, New Zealand.

The fossil was estimated to be about 61 million years old and belongs to a previously unknown species of penguin known as Waimanu Manneringi. This ancient penguin species was about the size of a modern-day rockhopper penguin, standing about 2.5 feet tall, and had a long beak with teeth, unlike most penguins.

Physical Characteristics of Penguins

Penguins come in various sizes, have black and white coloration, and have a thick layer of feathers to keep them warm. Their wings have evolved into flippers, and they have webbed feet that help them swim. Penguins can hold their breath for extended periods and dive to great depths for food.

Penguins Breeding and Reproduction

Penguin breeding and reproduction involve elaborate mating rituals and nest building. Female penguins typically lay one or two eggs, and both parents take turns incubating eggs and feeding chicks. Chicks grow and eventually grow feathers, leaving the nest to learn how to swim and hunt for food.

Quick Facts

Some More Penguin Facts

Most penguins live in the Southern Hemisphere.

They spend half their life on land and half in the water.

Penguins eat krill, fish, squid, and other sea creatures.

Their biggest predators are sharks, orcas, and leopard seals.

Penguins can swim at speeds of over 20 miles per hour.

Whether you are familiar with penguins from nature shows, or tap-dancing movies, they are popular animals that many people know and love.

Penguins are excellent swimmers and are known for their belly slides and waddles. These fascinating creatures will continue to inspire stories and movies for years to come!

Now, let's explore more animal facts! But before you do, one last thing. Can you name two other animals you might find around the North Pole or South Pole?

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35 Interesting Penguin Facts For Kids [year] [With Pictures]

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35 Interesting Penguin Facts For Kids [With Pictures] Cartoons have been made about them, as well as movies where they've shown off their dancing skills. Although penguins probably aren't dancing around on the ice, there

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Check out our awesome range of animal facts and learn some fun trivia about our friends in the animal kingdom.

Fun Penguin Facts for Kids

Enjoy our fun penguin facts for kids. Learn about the Emperor Penguin, King Penguin, Crested Penguin, Little Blue Penguin, Chinstrap Penguin and more. Read on to find out what makes penguins unique members of the animal kingdom.

Penguins are flightless birds.

While other birds have wings for flying, penguins have adapted flippers to help them swim in the water.

Most penguins live in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Galapagos Penguin is the only penguin specie that ventures north of the equator in the wild.

Large penguin populations can be found in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Argentina and South Africa.

No penguins live at the North Pole.

Penguins eat a range of fish and other sealife that they catch underwater.

Penguins can drink sea water.

Penguins spend around half their time in water and the other half on land.

The Emperor Penguin is the tallest of all penguin species, reaching as tall as 120 cm (47 in) in height.

Emperor Penguins can stay underwater for around 20 minutes at a time.

Emperor Penguins often huddle together to keep warm in the cold temperatures of Antarctica.

King Penguins are the second largest penguin specie. They have four layers of feathers to help keep them warm on the cold subantarctic islands where they breed.

Chinstrap Penguins get their name from the thin black band under their head. At times it looks like they're wearing a black helmet, which might be useful as they're considered the most aggressive type of penguin.

Crested penguins have yellow crests, as well as red bills and eyes.

Yellow eyed penguins (or Hoiho) are endangered penguins native to New Zealand. Their population is believed to be around 4000.

Little Blue Penguins are the smallest type of penguin, averaging around 33 cm (13 in) in height.

Penguin's black and white plumage serves as camouflage while swimming. The black plumage on their back is hard to see from above, while the white plumage on their front looks like the sun reflecting off the surface of the water when seen from below.

Penguins in Antarctica have no land based predators.

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Fun Penguin Facts for Kids - Emperor, King, Chinstrap Penguins & More!

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Check out our awesome range of animal facts and learn some fun trivia about our friends in the animal kingdom. Fun Penguin Facts for Kids Enjoy our fun penguin facts for kids. Learn about the Emperor Penguin, King Penguin, Crested Penguin, Little Blue Penguin, Chinstrap Penguin and more.

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Penguins are the only birds that can swim but cannot fly. These black and white seabirds move about very easily in the water. On land they stand upright and waddle about....

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All About Penguins for Kids: Penguins of the World for Children - FreeSchool

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Pythons are giant snakes of Africa, Australia, South and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific islands. Pythons are constrictors. This means that they kill their prey by wrapping themselves around it and squeezing it until it dies. Boas also constrict, but pythons and boas are different kinds of snakes.

There are about 28 species, or types, of python. They live in a variety of habitats, from forests to open, rocky areas. Many species live near water.

One type, the reticulated python, is the world's longest known snake. It reaches a length of up to 32 feet (10 meters). Smaller pythons include the ball, or royal, python, which generally reaches a length of only about 6 feet (2 meters).

Pythons tend to strike their prey suddenly from a hidden position. They grasp the prey in their teeth and then kill the animal by squeezing it to death. Large pythons generally eat small mammals and birds. Smaller pythons also eat amphibians and reptiles. After eating a large meal, a python may not need to eat again for weeks or even months. Pythons are not poisonous and rarely attack humans. They are often kept as pets.

Like most other snakes, pythons reproduce by laying eggs. After the female lays her eggs she coils herself around them until they hatch about two or three months later.

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Pythons are giant snakes of Africa, Australia, South and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific islands. Pythons are constrictors. This means that they kill their prey by wrapping...

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Pythons are a type of reptile. This means that they are covered in scales, hatch from eggs, and most importantly, are cold-blooded.

This means that they cannot regulate their own body temperature, and must rely on the environment to heat up or cool down.

Are pythons snakes?

Pythons are nonvenomous snakes. They do not use venom to catch their prey. Instead, they belong to the group of snakes called constrictors.

These snakes latch onto their prey and coil around them, slowly squeezing the air out of them until they die.

They then swallow their prey whole, starting with the head. They do this so that the limbs of their prey do not get stuck in their throats as they eat them.

There are 41 different types, or species, of pythons. This makes them one of the largest families of snakes in the entire world.

Where do you find pythons?

They are only found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. They inhabit a wide range of habitats. They can live in rainforest, grasslands, woodlands, swamps, mountains, and deserts.

Even in the wild, pythons are one of the longest living species of snakes. They have been found in the wild to have lived up to and over 30 years old.

The larges species of python is the reticulated python. These gigantic snakes have been found in the wild measuring over 30 feet in length and 250 lbs.

This makes them large enough to eat deer, crocodiles, and wild pigs whole!

On the opposite end of the spectrum is the pygmy python. Unlike its humongous cousin, this snake is only 20 inches in length and only weighs about 7 ounces.

The patterns on the each of the different species of pythons vary depending upon their environment.

Since these snakes are ambush predators, they rely on camouflage to help them blend into their environment.

This camouflage is usually green or brown, depending on where the python lives.

These colors allow them to blend in with their surroundings and surprise their prey so that they can latch on and eat them.

Most pythons prefer to live in trees, but some will live in abandoned burrows. If a python lives in a tree, it is referred to as arboreal. If they prefer to live on the ground, they are referred to as terrestrial.

Depending on where they live, pythons might be nocturnal (awake at night), or diurnal (awake during the day).

This mostly depends on how hot the weather is where they live. If it is really hot during the day, the snakes prefer to be up and about at night.

How do pythons use their senses?

Like most snakes, pythons do not have ears. They instead rely on the vibrations they feel on the ground to tell when prey or danger is near.

Pythons also don't smell with their noses like we do. They instead use their forked tongues to taste the air. They have special receptors in their mouth that take the scent molecules so that they can locate their prey.

Like most snakes, pythons hatch from eggs. A mother python will lay up to 100 eggs in a single clutch. These snakes are not good mothers, and will not take care of their young.

More Animals facts.

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Pythons are a type of reptile. This means that they are covered in scales, hatch from eggs, and most importantly, are cold-blooded. This means that they cannot regulate their own body temperature, and must rely on the environment to heat up or cool down. Pythons are nonvenomous snakes.

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Burmese pythons, one of the largest snakes in the world, are best known for the way they catch and eat their food. The snake uses its sharp rearward-pointing teeth to seize prey, and then coils its body around the animal, squeezing a little tighter with each exhale until the animal suffocates. Stretchy ligaments in their jaws allow them to swallow animals up to five times as wide as their head!

Burmese pythons are carnivores, eating mostly small mammals and birds. But exceptionally large pythons may search for larger food items like pigs or goats. Pythons have even been known to have attacked and eaten alligators! They have poor eyesight, so instead they stalk prey using chemical receptors in their tongues and heat-sensors along their jaws.

Burmese pythons are among the largest snakes on Earth. They are capable of reaching 23 feet (7 meters) or more in length and weighing up to 200 pounds (90 kilograms) with a girth as big as a telephone pole.

When they are young, Burmese pythons will spend equal time on the ground and in the trees. But are they grow larger they tend to stay on the ground because the trees can't hold them anymore! They are also excellent swimmers and can stay submerged up to 30 minutes. The Burmese python is an invasive species in the Florida Everglades. According to the National Park Service, tens of thousands of these snakes exist there.

Females lay clutches of up to 100 eggs, which they incubate for two to three months. To keep their eggs warm, they continually contract, or shiver, their muscles. When the baby snakes hatch they use their special egg tooth to cut their way out of their egg and the mother leaves. The newly hatched baby python will often remain inside its egg until it finishes shedding its first shedding of skin, then it will hunt for its first meal all by itself.

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Burmese pythons, one of the largest snakes in the world, are best known for the way they catch and eat their food. The snake uses its sharp rearward-pointing teeth to seize prey, and then coils its body around the animal, squeezing a little tighter with each exhale until the animal suffocates.

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These cats are nimble at high speeds, able to make quick and sudden turns in pursuit of prey. Cheetahs' bodies are uniquely adapted to help them reach top speeds, from their long, slender limbs and hard foot pads to the flexible spine that gives them their long stride.

Cheetahs are famous for their tawny coats covered in black spots, each arranged in a unique pattern to help the animals identify one another. Bold black stripes streak like tears from the inner corners of their eyes down to both sides of their mouths, and the ends of their bushy tails have black rings.

The cheetah's excellent eyesight helps it find prey during the day. The cheetah is hard to see because its spotted coat blends with the tall, dry grass of the plains.

Cheetahs eat small- to medium-size animals, such as hares, impalas, wildebeest calves, and gazelles.

Because of their size, strength, and predatory skills, some scientists consider cheetahs to be one of the "big cats." Tigers, lions, leopards, and jaguars are also part of this grouping. Unlike the rest of the group, cheetahs can't roar, though they can they purr.

Although they typically prefer open grasslands, cheetahs live in a range of habitats across eastern and southern Africa.

Once found throughout Asia and Africa, cheetahs today are racing toward extinction. Loss of habitat and declining numbers of their prey combine to threaten the future of these cats.

Take the big cat quiz to see how much you know about these fierce felines. Then, just for fun, see which wild cat you're most like with our personality quiz.

(AD) Check out Hoops to Hippos!: True Stories of a Basketball Star on Safari by Boris Diaw for more animals.

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Fastest mammal on land, the cheetah can reach speeds of 60 or perhaps even 70 miles (97 or 113 kilometers) an hour over short distances. It usually chases its prey at only about half that speed, however. After a chase, a cheetah needs half an hour to catch its breath before it can eat.

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The cheetah is the fastest land animal on Earth. This spotted member of the cat family can sprint faster than 70 miles (112 kilometers) per hour. The cheetah's scientific...

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What are cheetahs? Kids find out about the big cat that is the fastest of the land mammals and lives in Africa.

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Cheetahs for Kids: Learn All About Cheetahs - FreeSchool

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11 Facts About Cheetahs 🐱 - Learn All About Cheetahs - Animals for Kids - Educational Video

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Dolphins look like big fishes, but they are actually mammals. They belong to a large group of animals called whales. Dolphins are closely related to porpoises. Because dolphins and porpoises look so much alike, people often confuse the two. However, dolphins are usually larger and have longer, beaklike snouts.

There are more than 35 species, or types, of dolphin. They are divided into two groups: true dolphins and river dolphins. True dolphins live throughout the world in either salt water or freshwater. The most widespread species are the common dolphin and the bottlenose dolphin. River dolphins live only in South America and Asia. They prefer freshwater.

Most dolphins are 7-10 feet (2-3 meters) long, but some species can reach a length of 13 feet (4 meters). Dolphins have smooth, rubbery skin. They are usually colored in some mixture of black, white, and gray. They have two flippers, or fins, on their sides, as well as a triangular fin on the back. A dolphin must come up to the water's surface to get air. It breathes through a single nostril, called a blowhole, on the top of its head.

Dolphins are known for being intelligent and playful. They live together in groups, called schools. They use sounds to communicate.

About 10 to 12 months after mating, a female dolphin gives birth to a single baby, or calf. The mother nudges the newborn calf up to the surface so that it can take its first breath. Some types of dolphin may live for 30 years.

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Dolphins look like big fishes, but they are actually mammals. They belong to a large group of animals called whales. Dolphins are closely related to porpoises. Because dolphins and porpoises look so much alike, people often confuse the two. However, dolphins are usually larger and have longer, beaklike snouts.

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Dolphin Facts for Kids | Classroom Edition Animal Learning Video

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Dolphins are sometimes thought of as the dogs of the sea because they are usually playful and friendly. They're also among the smartest animals on Earth. Dolphins are water mammals. Scientists believe they're as smart as chimpanzees or dogs. They live in rivers and oceans, but they must come up to breathe air.

A Dolphin is a cetacean mammal, related to whales and porpoises. Though people sometimes think 'dolphin' and 'porpoise' are the same thing, porpoises are not considered dolphins and have different physical features (Porpoises have a shorter beak and spade-shaped teeth) and they also behave in different way than a dolphin does. Porpoises and dolphins share a common ancestry, being of the Delphinidae mammal family.

Fun Facts about Dolphins for Kids

Most dolphins are black or gray. Killer whales (a type of dolphin) are black and white.

Bottlenose dolphins are the most common type of dolphin. You're likely to see the Bottlenose dolphin in rivers and coastal areas in the southern United States. They are usually gray in color.

Scientists say that there are 45 different species of dolphins, five of which are river dolphins.

Bottlenose dolphins live up to 40 years while the Orca (killer whales) can live up to 80 years.

Dolphins sometimes die when they become trapped in fishermen's nets.

Dolphins live in groups called schools or pods. A female dolphin leads the herd.

Male dolphins are called "bulls", females are called "cows" and the young dolphins are called "calves". Calves stay alongside their mothers up to 3 years and sometimes up to 8 years.

Dolphins use squeaks and whistles to call to each other.

Like bats, dolphins use echolocation to find food and objects.

Dolphins eat fish and squid.

A group of dolphins is called a school, or Pod. Dolphins are very social, a family (pod) can have 1000 members.

The smallest dolphin is called a Maui's dolphin. It is only 1.2 m (4 ft) long and 40 kg (90 lb) light. Like a small human child! They are the rarest type of dolphin and live off the coast of New Zealand.

The Orca, also known as the killer whale, is a type of dolphin. It is a huge type of dolphin, as long as 9.5 m (30 ft) and weighing around 10 tonnes! Orcas belong to the mammal family of Delphinidae so they qualify as dolphins.

Dolphin Vocabulary

Learn More All About Dolphins

Watch this very fun and entertaining dolphin video:

A video of a dolphin show to see how smart dolphins can be when trained.

Many people think it is cruel to keep a dolphin in captivity, especially as they are such intelligent creatures. It is cruel to keep any animal in captivity (like in a cage in the zoo), yet sometimes it is the only way to show kids rare or endangered animals, or animals from far away places.

Animals are usually very sad to be in captivity and are best left in the wild where they belong. Imagine, would you be happy if you were in a little room for all your life till you died? How would you feel, if you could never run, climb, go on a trip, take long walks or play your favorite sports game?

Would you like it if you were taken away from your family and friends and were lonely without ever meeting new people, just walking back and forth in your room all your life? It is fun to watch a show, just remember, it is not always fun for the animal to be part of it!

Dolphin Q&A

Question: Are dolphins dangerous?

Answer: Dolphins are usually gentle and friendly. They have even been known to help injured swimmers and sometimes even to save people from sharks. They are highly intelligent creatures and can be trained to do complex things. Some think a dolphin can help depressed people. However, they are wild animals and should be treated kindly and carefully. If you annoy a dolphin, he could poke you with his nose real hard. That is why sharks fear them.

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Question: Are dolphins endangered?

Answer: Killer whales and bottlenose dolphins aren't endangered, but many river dolphins are. Dolphins often get killed in fishermen's nets, especially Tuna fishing boats cause many to die. Dolphins have very sensitive ears so they suffer very much from loud noise, like from motor boats, jet skis etc.
Useful Websites
CoolKidFacts - Dolphin Facts

Enjoyed the Easy Science for Kids Website all about Dolphins info? Take the FREE & fun all about Dolphins quiz and download FREE all about Dolphins worksheet for kids. For lengthy info click here.

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Fun Dolphin Facts for Kids (All You Need to Know!)

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Easy Science for Kids All About Dolphins - The Dogs of The Sea. Learn more about Dolphins with our interesting Kids Science Website on Dolphins!

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Learn how dolphins eat, sleep, and live together. Bottlenose dolphins and orcas travel the ocean in pods.

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Thought to be some of the smartest animals on Earth, bottlenose dolphins send messages to one another in many different ways. They squeak, squawk and use body language—leaping as high as 20 feet in the air, snapping their jaws, slapping their tails on the surface of the water, blowing bubbles and ev…

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All About Dolphins for Kids: Dolphins for Children - FreeSchool

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The Life Cycle of a Frog | Frog Life Cycle | Video for Kids

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Everybody loves dolphins. What's not to love? Dolphins are playful and cute, but also very intelligent! Read on for our amazing dolphin facts. Bet you don't know all of these!

We know plenty about dolphins today, but we still don't know all that much about their past.

There are lots of ideas about how dolphins have evolved and some fossil remains have been found, but nothing has really given us a whole picture of their past.

Cool Dolphin Facts Infographic

check out our dolphins infographic! We call it "Dolphins Illustrated".

The one thing that the crazy scientists think is that dolphins were much smaller hundreds of years ago.

Also, dolphins use something called 'echolocation', a complex way of communicating and finding prey through sound waves, and it is thought that dolphins have developed this skill to protect themselves.

Pretty neat huh?

But there are also other theories! You'll be surprised by this. Some people believe that they evolved from land animals. What? Their land 'ancestor' lived about 50 million years ago and looked like a wolf.

Sounds rather strange, but apparently they hunted in shallow waters and then adapted to life in the water.

We know this as a dolphins forelegs became flippers, their hind legs disappeared completely, and the fluke (the name for the tail) arrived.

Also, their fur disappeared and their nostrils moved to the top of their head.

Who knows whether this is true or not.

In Ancient Greece it was not at all cool to kill a dolphin. Good for them. If people did, they could be punished by death. They called dolphin's 'hieros ichthys' which means 'sacred fish'.

The sun god, Apollo, took the form of a dolphin when he found his oracle at Delphi at Mount Parnassus. Interesting.

Protecting Dolphins and Extinction

As with a lot of animals, they are becoming endangered, and the dolphin is no exception.

Some dolphin species face the threat of distinction. How sad. And their greatest enemy is none other than us humans.

They get caught in nets when boats are out fishing, or they hit boats, and this kills loads of dolphins every year.

The Yangtze River Dolphin is a species which may be extinct as none have been seen for a very long time.

Dolphin Quick Fire Facts

Dolphins are meant to be very intelligent animals.

Female dolphins are called cows, males are bulls and young dolphins are called calves. Just like cows themselves.

Dolphins stick together and have some awesome friends. They hand out in schools, or pods of up to 12 of them.

The dolphin is the only mammal that gives birth with the tail first instead of the head, and this is to make sure their baby doesn't drown. Animals are amazing.

Dolphins stay with their moms for about 2 to 3 years. Can you imagine going out into the world by yourself at 3...wow that would be a challenge.

They are very playful animals, which is probably why humans love them so much and are so fascinated by them.

You could see them jumping out the water, riding waves, play-fighting, and sometimes they'll even come and give you a quick nudge to say hi if you're in the water with them!

They also like to tease a bit. Amazingly they also play with seaweed. All the toys we've got and dolphins play with seaweed...awesome. Perhaps you should try it one day.

Dolphins can't actually breathe out of their mouths. So how do they breathe? Well they use the blowhole at the top of their heads, which is like a big nostril.

You must have heard dolphins making clicking and whistling sounds...well this is how they chat to each other. Wouldn't it be great to learn their language and talk to them too?

Wow, there are a lot of different types of dolphins. There are 36 different species of ocean dolphins and 5 species of river dolphins. Most live in saltwater but some of them live in freshwater, mostly the Amazon River.

Dolphins live for about 17 years in the wild, but there have been some that have lived up to the age of 50. In dolphin years that's a lot.

They are carnivores, which mean they eat meat including fish and squid. Yum.

Dolphins have about 100 teeth, but some dolphins have 8 teeth and there are others with 250. Bottlenose dolphins have 72-104 teeth.

They only get one set of teeth for life. They don't actually use them to eat amazingly. Try and eat something without your teeth; it could be rather difficult.

What they do is they catch their prey with their teeth and then swallow them whole. They don't have any jaw muscles so that's why they can't chew. Surprising they don't get tummy aches.

They eat about 30 pounds (about 14 kilograms) of fish each day.

We know they're clever, but the way they catch their prey is brilliant. The whole pod works as a team and they get a school of fish surrounded and balled up, so that they're much easier to eat.

They then each take a turn and go right through the middle of the school of fish and munch away. Clever indeed.

They use all sorts of ways to make sure they get their dinner; they might jump or do zig-zag patters, circles or a combination of all to make sure they catch their fish.

Dolphins have a cool time under the water, playing and swimming, but they can't actually breathe underwater.

So how do they get air? Well they come up for air all the time, which is why you'll see the above the water.

They can stay underwater for between 20 seconds and 30 minutes. Do you think you could hold your breath for 30 minutes? Don't think so.

More Cool Facts About Dolphins

Unbelievably the Killer Whale (also called an Orca) is one massive dolphin. It is the largest dolphin around.

This is amazing. How did the Killer Whale get its name? This is because it separates baby whales from their pods and eats them! No way. They also eat other dolphins. That's not cool to eat part of your family.

Who would have thought that dolphins can actually swim up to 850 feet (260 meters) below the ocean? Well it's true. This is cool. The deepest a dolphin has ever dived was 1,000 feet (300 meters).

The dolphin was a US Navy trained dolphin and her name was Tuffy.

How awesome. But most dolphins spend most of their time in less than 2 meters (about 7 feet) of water. Well done Tuffy!

Dolphins have often been seen helping humans. How kind. They sometimes help with fishing and have even helped with rescues. That's awesome.

Dolphins vary in size from super small to super large, depending on what type of dolphin it is.

The large ones can weigh up to 11 tons (nearly 10,000 kilograms), which is about the same as four cars, and they can be about 30 feet (9 meters) long.

Then the smaller ones will weigh about 90 pounds (40 kilograms) and be 4 feet (about 1 meter) long. What a big difference.

A dolphin's body is made to help them move through the water quickly and without using too much energy.

They rely on their pectoral fins and the fluke (tail) to help them navigate their way through the water.

Dolphins certainly don't need glasses; they have excellent eyesight both in the water and out. So you can't hide anything from them, that's for sure.

They can even hear really well, about 10 times better than humans. Be careful what you say around dolphins as you don't want to hurt their feelings!

But they can't actually smell very well, so you might be able to hide your lunch from them.

Amazingly dolphins have two stomachs, just like cows. The first one stores all their food and the second one does all the hard work of digesting the food.

Just like our finger prints, the dorsal fin on every dolphin is completely unique; there are no two the same.

Dolphins can swim up to a speed of 25 miles (40 kilometers) per hour for long periods of time. That is seriously fast. But they normally travel at speeds of about 5 miles (about 8 kilometers) per hour.

This is because their motion is most efficient at these speeds.

When they swim faster, this is when you'll see them jump clear out of the water. This helps them save up some energy as the air provides a lot less resistance than the water.

Dolphins love their pod family; they've often been seen caring for the sick and the elderly as well as injured dolphins. What kind animals.

So dolphins are really cute and sweet, but did you know they can actually be quite aggressive if pushed too far. Make sure you're super friendly.

A dolphin's brain comes in second for size when compared to its body size. Number one is the human brain!

A dolphin's skin is very sensitive and delicate and can be easily damaged. Make sure you touch them gently if you ever get the chance.

Now this is an amazing fact. Only one side of a dolphin's brain sleeps at a time. Weird right? This allows them to be able to breathe and to watch for threats even while they are resting.

Marine dolphins sleep with one eye open and the other eye closed. Dolphins have to be conscious to breathe and each part of their brain takes a turn to get some much needed shut eye.

When the left side of the brain rests, the right eye of the dolphin is closed and when the right side of the brain rests the left eye is closed.

Do dolphins have hair? Most of them don't except for a few hairs they're born with. But there is one dolphin that has a small amount of hair, the Boto River Dolphin who keeps the hair until they're an adult.

Dolphins have the most amazing healing process and no one understands why. Even if they've got a big shark bite, they heal quickly whereas other animals would lose too much blood.

How they do that, nobody knows.

Do dolphins drink water? Well surprisingly not as it's very salty; hardly surprising, salt water doesn't taste all that good.

They get all the water they need from their food and if they do need water they can burn their fat. Wow.

Some dolphins can see colors and others can't; some only see in shades of grey, while others see blue-green colors.

Fish normally swim with their tails moving from side to side, but dolphins swim by moving their tails up and down. They really are a unique animal.

Dolphins are better swimmers than fish and this is because they carry loads more oxygen in their blood than fish, which helps them to swim longer than a fish.

Surprisingly dolphins actually shed their skins, just like a snake. Wow. But it also helps to get rid of algae and bacteria that can cling to their skins.

Wow, this is cool. A dolphin can whistle to communicate and click for sonar waves both at the same time.

That would be like a human speaking in two different voices, with two different pitches and having two different conversations.

Give it a try, go on!

Dolphins eyes produce tears, but they're not sad don't worry. It actually protects their eyes from foreign objects and infection as well as reducing the friction between their eyes and the sea water.

What exactly is a blowhole? Well it's a nose really that sits on top of the dolphin's head. Can you imagine your nose on the top of your head? It would be really weird.

This 'nose' evolved for the echolocation system they use to communicate. Most whales actually have two blowholes, and the dolphin just has the one.

Most mammals' brains have a very smooth surface except for our brains, which have lots of folds in it. A dolphin's brain has even more folds than ours and they were like this millions of years before we appeared on the scene.

Did you know that there is a dolphin that looks like a unicorn? Well it's called the Narwhal Dolphin and it has a large ivory tusk.

Pink, blue or albino, the Amazon River Dolphin is the most recognizable river dolphin species. It has a ridge along its back rather than a dorsal fin and its fat, heavy body is very flexible.

They have paddle-like flippers which move them in a circular motion. This means they can move easily but are not necessarily fast. How cool.

Males can get as long as 8 feet (about 2.5 meters) which makes them the largest river dolphin. This is weird as in all the other river dolphins the females are larger. Interesting.

There is one species of dolphin that only sleeps for a few seconds at a time. Shame, it must be tired. This is because it has to dodge debris in the water where it lives.

We hope you enjoyed our dolphin facts! Are you ready to share your new knowledge with your friends and classmates?
Now, check out our cool dolphins infographic!
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Fun Dolphin Facts Everybody loves dolphins. What's not to love? Dolphins are playful and cute, but also very intelligent! Read on for our amazing dolphin facts. Bet you don't know all of these! We know plenty about dolphins today, but we still don't know all that much about their past.

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Pythons live near the equator, in Asia and Africa, where it is hot and wet and their huge bodies can stay warm. They make their homes in caves or in trees and have become used to living in cities and towns since people have been moving in on their territory.

Being closer to people means that not only will the snakes hunt the livestock (pigs, goats, dogs, cats and chickens), it also means that they may attack people when feeling threatened, although this rarely happens.

Speaking of feeling threatened, one of the biggest reasons that pythons are killed is for their large, beautiful skins. Some people actually like to wear snakeskin pants, vests, cowboy boots, and shoes!

Pythons are constrictors, which means that they will 'squeeze' the life out of their prey. They coil themselves around their prey and with each breathe the creature takes the snake will squeeze a little tighter until they stop breathing completely. Once the heart stops the prey is swallowed whole. The entire animal is digested in the snake's stomach except for fur or feathers. What do you think happens to the fur, feathers, beaks, and eggshells? The 'extra stuff' gets passed out as... you guessed it...snake POOP!

Along with farm animals, pythons will feed on wild animals such as lizards, caiman (small alligator-like animals), monkeys and antelope. The larger the meal, the longer it takes to digest. This means that a python may only need to eat 4-5 times a year!

The Green Tree Python is around 7 feet long and lives in...you guessed it...the trees! It waits in the leaves of the high forest branches and strikes out at birds as they fly by.

Pythons lay eggs and will coil their bodies around the eggs to keep them warm and protect them until hatching.

Green Tree Python

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Pythons live near the equator, in Asia and Africa, where it is hot and wet and their huge bodies can stay warm. They make their homes in caves or in trees and have become used to living in cities and towns since people have been moving in on their territory.

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Dolphins are mammals known for their friendliness. There are over 40 species of dolphins, the most common being the Bottlenose dolphin. Did you know these 15 fun facts about dolphins?

Dolphins are found all across the world and are close relatives of whales. Check out the cool facts about these beautiful creatures.

They stick with their mothers for a long time

It is in the nature of the dolphins to stick with their mothers for a long time before they leave their pack. Some stay with their mothers for 3 or even 8 years!

Dolphins have 2 stomachs

One is used for storage of food and the other is used for digestion.

They dive up to 1,000 feet

Dolphins are known to be great divers. Being creatures of the sea, they can dive up to 1,000 feet underwater.

Dolphins can live up to 50 years!

Even though the average lifespan of dolphins is about 17 years, some can even live up to 50 years!

There are around 40 species of dolphins

There are many types of dolphins, around 40 different species. While the majority of them spend their lives in saltwater, many can survive just fine in freshwater. The smallest of their kind is 3-4 feet long, while the largest is 30 feet!

Dolphins help the sick or injured members

These caring creatures are often seen tending to the sick, the old and the injured in their group, which is known as 'pod'.

Extremely intelligent animals

They are not only the friendliest or caring creatures but also the most intelligent ones. It is believed by scientists that comparing the ratio size of brain to body, dolphins take the 2nd place right after the humans!

Dolphins never chew their food

Dolphins never chew their food, they swallow it as a whole. Their teeth are used only to catch their prey.

They give themselves names

It has been proved by scientists that dolphins give themselves names. They develop their own individual whistles and they recognize theirs and other dolphins' names.

They sleep with only half their brain

When they are asleep, one part of their brain remains alert and awake. This keeps them safe from potential predators, and enables them to breathe while sleeping.

Dolphins are very friendly to humans and animals

They love to play with members of their pods and are friendly to even humans. They are often seen playing and teasing other animals living underwater.

Killer whales are the biggest kind of dolphin

Opposite to their name, Killer Whales belong to the dolphin family. Killer Whales, reaching up to a length of 30 feet, are the biggest of their kind.

Dolphins can migrate if they don't have enough food

Not known to many, Dolphins can migrate if their needs of food are not met. Even though they are not migratory animals, they will move to places where they have enough food and the climatic conditions are suitable to their body temperatures.

They have delicate skin but heals quickly

Dolphins have very delicate skin, getting injured at the slightest touch of hard surface. However, due to their fast healing attribute, even the deepest of wounds can be healed within a short time.

Some can swim at 20 miles per hour

They can swim at the rate of 3 to 7 miles per hour. Some exceedthat and travel at the speed of 20 miles per hour.

Meet and swim with dolphins in Cancun or Riviera Maya with Aquaworld

Aquaworld provides many ways through which you can meet, interact and swim with dolphins. You can have a full-day or an hour session with the dolphins in Cancun or Rivera Maya.
If you are on a family vacation, then a great way to let the children have fun is to take part in our Dolphin Interactive Program, specially designed for the kids starting from the age of 3.

But, if neither of the aforementioned are for you, then do check out our Trainer for a Day program where you can interact with these playful creatures and learn everything about them.
In any event swimming with dolphins is really something you would not like to miss on your ideal vacation in Cancun or Riviera Maya!

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Dolphins are mammals known for their friendliness. There are over 40 species of dolphins, the most common being the Bottlenose dolphin. Did you know these 15 fun facts about dolphins? Dolphins are found all across the world and are close relatives of whales. Check out the cool facts about these beautiful creatures.

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Our Mission - Through education, research and rescue, Dolphin Research Center promotes peaceful coexistence, cooperation and communication between marine mammals, humans and the environment we share with the well being of DRC's animals taking precedence.

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Kids Dolphin Facts - Dolphin Research Center

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Kids can learn about dolphins, sea lions, and marine mammals. Dolphin camp, riddles, puzzles and dolphin facts.

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Coastal populations of common bottlenose dolphins are more territorial and utilize a larger number of coastal habitats - from bays and estuaries to seagrass beds, beaches, and other ecosystems. Oceanic populations are more migratory in nature and apparently do not visit coastal ecosystems.

Common bottlenose dolphins can be quite large, reaching weights of up to 1400 pounds (~640 kg) and lengths of 12.5 feet (~4 m). They are relatively long-lived (40-50 years) and reach sexual maturity at ages between 5 and 14 years old. Some individuals are known to be reproductively active for their entire lives, a rare characteristic among mammals. Like all mammals, common bottlenose dolphins reproduce through internal fertilization, and females give birth to live young. Juveniles are able to swim from the moment they are born, but they are totally dependent on nursing their mothers' milk for nearly two years.

Common bottlenose dolphins and other dolphins are thought to be some of the smartest animals on the planet, challenging the great apes (chimps and gorillas) for the top spot. They are also extremely curious and often approach people to investigate. Their intelligence is likely both a result of and a driver of their complex social structures. They generally live in small groups and organize complex, group behaviors when mating and hunting. Their preferred prey includes small, schooling fishes and squids. Adult common bottlenose dolphins have no known predators, and juveniles are likely only rarely taken by large sharks or perhaps other predatory marine mammals.

This species is hunted for human consumption and for use as fishing bait in several places around the world, but global numbers are generally considered to be in good shape. Population trends for common bottlenose dolphins are not well known, but scientists believe this dolphin to be a species of least concern. In the United States and some other places, the common bottlenose dolphin is given complete legal protection as a result of it being a highly intelligent, marine mammal.

1. Common bottlenose dolphins grow up to 13 feet (4 m) long and 1,300 pounds (590 kg).

2. Common bottlenose dolphins live for 40 to 60 years.

3. Female bottlenose dolphins give birth to a calf every 3 to 6 years after a 12-month gestation period. ¹

4. Common bottlenose dolphins travel alone or in groups of about 12, but herds of hundreds of dolphins have been spotted.

5. Common bottlenose dolphins swim just under 12 miles per hour (19 kph).

6. Common bottlenose dolphins eat a variety of food from fish to squid and shrimp, consuming 13-15 pounds (6-7 kg) of food a day.

7. Common bottlenose dolphins develop individualized whistles to communicate information regarding their location, condition and identity with others. ²

Oceana joined forces with Sailors for the Sea, an ocean conservation organization dedicated to educating and engaging the world's boating community. Sailors for the Sea developed the KELP (Kids Environmental Lesson Plans) program to create the next generation of ocean stewards. Click here or below to download hands-on marine science activities for kids.
References:
² MarineBio Conservation Society
IUCN Red List

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Coastal populations of common bottlenose dolphins are more territorial and utilize a larger number of coastal habitats - from bays and estuaries to seagrass beds, beaches, and other ecosystems. Oceanic populations are more migratory in nature and apparently do not visit coastal ecosystems. Common bottlenose dolphins can be quite large, reaching weights of up to 1400 pounds ...

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A frog is an amphibian that is known for its leaping ability, noisy croaking, bulging eyes, and slimy appearance.

They are one of the most diversified animals on the planet, with over 6,000 species that live all over the world.

Frogs are amphibians.

They can be found near water but prefer ponds, lakes, and marshes

You will not find any in Antarctica.

They lay eggs called Frog Spawn.

Their eggs hatch into tadpoles.

A group of frogs is called an army.

They are carnivorous

They catch their prey with their tongues.

They don't drink water they absorb it directly through their skin.

Some hibernate in oxygen-rich water and lie on top of the mud all winter.

They breathe much like a human, taking air through their nostrils and into their lungs.

Types of Frogs

Red Eyed Tree Frog

Red Eyed Tree Frog

A Red-eyed Tree Frog is part of the Hylidae family of reptiles. This species has been found in parts of Mexico, and Central America. It inhabits lowland tropical rainforests.

Deforestation and climate change are two major problems threatening red-eyed tree frogs in the wild. In the wild, the red-eyed tree frog population is still healthy.

They are not endangered at present

Female Red-Eyed Tree Frogs can grow to be 3-4 cm in length and males 2 cm.

Their unique features include bulging red eyes, mixed green body, and orange toes.

The bright colors are to be viewed as a powerful defense system. These frogs blend in well with tree leaves.

However, the frog's eyes open, revealing their stunning bright red color can really frighten away predators.

Poison Dart Frog

Poison Dart Frog

The poison dart frog lives in the rainforests of Central and South America. You'll find them in trees, under fallen leaves, old logs, and rocks in the forest.

Since they are between 1/2 to 2 inches, they are hard to see sometimes

Poison frogs use an array of bright colors and colorful patterns to visually warn predators. The poison frog comes in many varieties and colors.

Frogs prey on invertebrates, especially ants, who can help accumulate lethal poisons inside of the frog.

Leopard Frog

Leopard Frog

Spots also usually have a yellow or whitish border around them.

Along the back, there is a distinguishable, white dorso-lateral fold that gradually stretches from each eye. The base of the neck is white. The topside is green.

They can grow up to 10 centimeters from rump to nose.

Like most frogs, they are Carnivore (meat-eater). They eat small birds, beetles, flies, worms, and smaller frogs.

Green Frog

The green frog varies in color from green, brown, yellowish green, olive, and rare examples even blue.

Their fronts are usually brighter with small, random black spots.

Dark bands run down their legs, and the skin beneath the bands is yellowish or white.

Most adults are between three and five inches long. Typically, most are less than an ounce.

There are many kinds of habitats where this species can be found. Their habitat includes lakes, swamps, streams, riverbanks, bogs, and marshes.

Pickerel Frog

Pickerel Frog

The Pickerel Frog is generally somewhat larger than a regular frog and can reach lengths of between 1 ½ - 4 inches.

Between its light-colored belly and its dorsolateral folds are two rows of dark-square spots on its back. Dark green-brown spots appear on top of the background color.

We usually find the species near rivers, lakes, ponds, bogs, and swamps with cool, clear water.

In summer, they are abundant in meadows

They eat invertebrates, such as insects and spiders, that live in or near water.

To protect themselves from predators, they generate a bad-tasting toxic secretion.

Wood Frog

Wood frogs have a wide range of colors, with females generally more colorful than males. These amphibians are 1.5 to 3.25 inches (3.8 to 8.2 centimeters) in length.

This species of frog has become accustomed to living in cold environmental conditions by freezing in the winter.

These animals belong to a small group that can freeze without dying.

In wintertime, as temperatures drop below freezing, wood frogs bury themselves, their breathing stops, and up to 65% of their body becomes ice.

That doesn't seem to bother the wood frog.

During the winter, it spends two or three months frozen.

As soon as the ice melts, the frog's heartbeat and breathing return, and he's back to his old self.

The mature wood frog may be preyed upon by various herbivores, such as skunks and raccoons.

Common Frog

Common Frog

These are regulars in garden ponds and help to eliminate slugs and snails. It will hibernate in mud ponds or under piles of logs in winter.

During the spring, they breed in ponds, spending the rest of the year mostly feeding in woodlands, gardens, hedgerows, and tussocky grasslands.

Generally, common frogs range in color from green to brown, red, and yellow.

Typically, the skin is smooth, and it has a dark 'mask' behind the eye. Its back legs are long, and there are dark bands on them.

This creature hops and jumps rather than walking and lays all its tiny eggs in large jellylike clumps.

Tadpoles

Frogs lay their eggs in the water. The eggs hatch and become fish-like creatures called tadpoles.

The tadpoles breathe through gills and have long tails. The tadpole will live in the water until it slowly changes into a frog.

When an environment has a good quantity of frogs it is a way to measure whether the area is not only healthy but well-balanced.

Frogs breathe in two ways: they breathe like us through their nostrils but they also get the other half of their air through their skin.

A frog's tongue is not attached to the back of its mouth, like a human tongue.

It is attached to the front where it can extend its tongue out further and make use of the sticky coating to catch its food.

Frog catching a bug with its tongue

Frogs have an odd way of swallowing food; they actually use their eyes as part of the process.

When they blink, it pushes their eyeballs down to create a bulge in the mouth roof.

This bulge puts pressure and helps to squeeze the food in their mouth down and through to the back of their throat.

What Predators do Frogs Have?

Animal predators include birds, fish, and reptiles.

Humans pose a threat to amphibians of all kinds.

Many frogs are being deformed and poisoned, and habitat is being destroyed through the building of new roads and buildings.

In some countries, frog legs are a delicacy. Eew!

Some frogs have a coating on their skin to help protect them from predators.

The coating is often poisonous and many tribal cultures use the coating to put on spear tips for battle.

What's the difference between Frogs and Toads

The animals, although in the very same animal family, are quite different.

Living near water is a necessity.

Feels "slimy" because of their smooth, moist skin.

Have a slim body

Their eyes are higher, rounder, and bulgier

Legs longer in the hindquarters

Take long high leaps and jumps

Have a lot of predators

No need to live near water to survive

Have hard, bumpy, and dry skin

Have a much wider body compared to a frog

Have different shaped eye compared to a frog

Legs that are shorter and less powerful

The number of predators is quite low.

The toad burns its predators' eyes and nostrils with its bitter taste and smell.

Frogs are amphibians, which means they can exist on both land and in the water.

Fun Frog Facts

Once a week a frog will shed its skin completely. It will pull the skin off of its body and usually eats it.

The typical pond frog takes three years to develop to maturity and then it is ready to breed.

In the wild, frogs are considered prey/food by many animals and do not survive very long.

Frogs have the ability to see in different directions at the same time: forward, upwards and sideways.

Frogs sleep with their eyes open; they never have their eyes closed during their life.

They get their names from hunters who would tip their arrows in the poison. They are threatened by the destruction of rainforests for farming and ranching.

Because of the pet-shop market, the Blue Poison Dart Frog is most endangered.

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Frog Facts for Kids (All You Need to Know!)

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Frogs are fascinating creatures. A frog is an amphibian that is known for its leaping ability, noisy croaking, bulging eyes, and slimy appearance. They are one of the most diversified animals on the planet, with over 6,000 species that live all over the world. Quick NavigationFrog Facts for Kids:Types of FrogsRed Eyed Tree FrogPoison Dart [...]

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Top Ten Awesome Facts About Frogs | Earth Rangers: Where kids go to save animals!

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Frogs are awesome but there is so much you might not know about them. We’ve collected some of our favourite little-known frog facts in this top ten!

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Frog Facts, Worksheets & Information for Kids

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The frog is a tailless amphibian that differ from reptiles because they don’t have scales. They can be found on every continent except for Antarctica and all toads are also actually frogs. Click for more kids facts and information or download the worksheet collection.

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Frog Facts & Worksheets

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If you've ever seen a frog or toad hopping around near your home, you've probably heard that distinct croak they are well known for.

What you may not know is that frogs and toads are quite different from one another, despite being in the same animal group.

If you have ever wondered the difference, we have the facts for you down below!

Read on to learn lots of cool information about frogs and toads, including if they really give you warts - or is that just a silly myth?

Where do they live?

One big difference between frogs and toads is that frogs need to live near water to survive, while toads do not.

Frogs are typically found on all continents of the world (except Antarctica), and like to live in creeks, ponds, swamps, trees, and rainforests.

Toads can live further away from water sources than frogs but can also be found in tropical regions and near water, too.

When frogs and toads are just tadpoles they have a vegetarian diet, eating mostly algae and forms of bacteria. As they grow older and their nutritional needs change, frogs and toads will begin eating insects, worms, spiders, and even slugs or snails.

Frogs have very tiny teeth in their upper and lower jaw but do not use them for chewing food - instead they swallow their food whole. Toads are similar in this regard.

Frogs do not chase after their prey, but instead wait for it to come to them. Their tongue, which can be up to a third of the length of their body, is used to catch their prey.

What do they look like?

There are many differences in the appearance of frogs and toads. Frogs have smoother, slicker skin than toads do, with less bumps and ridges, giving them an almost slimy appearance.

They also have a narrower body than toads do. Frogs have high and circular bulging eyes while toads typically have lower eyes that are more football-shaped. They also have more powerful and longer legs than toads.

One way to spot the difference between frogs and toads is to watch them jump. Due to their more powerful hind legs, frogs can jump longer and further forward than toads can.

Toads will typically run very quickly or take short hops instead of high jumps.

Fun Facts About Toads & Frogs

Frogs have more predators than toads do despite being larger creatures. This is because the skin of a toad has a bitter taste and smell which can burn the eyes and nostrils of their enemies.

This smell is somewhat similar to that of a skunk.

Some larger frogs eat mice, rats, lizards, snakes, small birds, and even other frogs!

Frogs depend on water for everything from eating to breathing. Frogs do not drink water, but they do absorb it through their skin.

Frogs can make almost a thousand different sounds, some of them actually rather pleasant. That infamous "ribbit" croak is only heard from one type of frog - the Pacific Tree Frog.

Keep in mind there are 4,740 species of frogs out there in the entire world, and 90 in the United States alone!

The particular sound of the Pacific Tree Frog has been used so often in Hollywood movies (even in settings where the Pacific Tree Frog is not commonly found), that so many people mistakenly associate the "ribbit" sound with all types of frogs.

We should be very thankful for these slimy creatures. Frogs and toads are very helpful to use humans because they eat so many harmful insects every year.

You can thank frogs by being kind to environment, recycling, and always throwing away your trash when you're out in public.

As an added bonus, you will be helping the environment and many other animals that depend on a pollution free world to survive.

Now for the most important fact of all - frogs can't give you warts! That is simply a myth.

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Frog and Toad Facts If you've ever seen a frog or toad hopping around near your home, you've probably heard that distinct croak they are well known for. What you may not know is that frogs and toads are quite different from one another, despite being in the same animal group.

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Penguins are simply adorable. From their distinguished coloring to their distinctive waddle, they are one of the cutest animals around.

Whether you're studying them for a homeschool project or part of your homeschool curriculum, or simply are curious about what makes a penguin so unique, here are fun facts about penguins to keep you on your toes!

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Penguin Facts

1. Penguins weigh anywhere from 2lbs to 80lbs!

Penguins come in all sizes and can range in weight from 2lbs all the way up to 80lbs.

An Emperor penguin is the largest of the species and can weigh as much as a child.

The smallest penguin, the Little Blue or Fairy Penguin, weighs in at an average of just over 2lbs.

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2. Penguins have flippers not wings.

Although penguins are birds, they have flippers instead of wings.

As you can imagine, this makes it impossible for them to fly, but they are excellent swimmers!

In fact, penguins can swim up to 15 mph.

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3. One of the biggest threats to penguins is climate change.

While penguins still make a tasty meal for seals, killer whales, and some birds, one of their biggest threats is the melting ice.

Since they rely on the ice for their breeding ground, the effects of climate change mean that there is less stable ice upon which their young can hatch.

This article contains affiliate links to things that you might like.
4. The black and white coloring of the penguin is actually for camouflage.

Penguins have white bellies so that, when they're in the water, predators cannot distinguish them from the sky above.

Their bellies blend in with the ice and their black coloring acts as camouflage from the air as it blends in with the water.

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5. Penguins live 15-20 years.

The average life expectancy of a penguin is 15-20 years.

Some penguins may live longer and some may become victims of predators, but the average penguin lives for nearly two decades.

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6. Penguins eat krill.

Most penguins have a diet that consists mainly of krill and squid.

The smaller the penguin, the smaller the krill and squid that it eats.

Some of the larger penguins, like the Emperor penguin, eat fish, as well as krill and squid.

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7. Each penguin has a unique call.

Just like humans have their own unique voice, penguins have their own calls.

Scientists believe that this helps them identify their mates in large crowds.

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While penguins may all look similar, they have proven to researchers that they are unique individuals. Their ability to adapt to their environment makes them one of the most unusual and endearing bird species in existence.

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What do you love about penguins? Share with us below!
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More Penguin Fun:

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Sources:

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Penguins are all unique! Learn about some fun facts about penguins for kids! They're sure to keep you interested and entertained!

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Cartoons have been made about them, as well as movies where they've shown off their dancing skills.

Although penguins probably aren't dancing around on the ice, there are still many amazing things they can do!

Keep reading to learn some interesting facts about penguins.

What are the characteristics of a penguin?

Penguins belong to the bird family but they cannot fly. They have black and white feathers that make excellent camouflage, and they have a special layer of feathers which helps to keep them warm.

They spend half of their life on land and the other half swimming in the water, so their wings have changed to act like flippers which makes them great swimmers.

Penguins are known for waddling their feet when they walk, and they also slide on their bellies across the snow. Both of these help them move while saving their energy.

Where do penguins live?

Almost all groups of penguins live in the Southern Hemisphere, which is the bottom half of the Earth. There is one group, the Galápagos penguin, that lives in a different part of the world, but this is not very common.

When we think about penguins, a lot of people usually think they all live in freezing cold climates like Antarctica.

While some penguin specie do live there, most penguins live in warmer areas. Penguins have adapted for life in the water, and they spend a lot of their time in or near the ocean.

Most groups of penguins can be found in Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa.

What are the Different Types of Penguin Species?

There are eighteen different kinds of species in Penguin. Each species has unique characteristics, including size, coloration, and behavior.

Some of the penguin species:

The Little Blue Penguin has a blue-grey back and white belly, with slate blue feathering on their head and wings.

Crested Penguins have yellow feather crests on their heads.

Fairy Penguins have blue-grey back and white belly and 16 inches tall, and weigh 1 kg.

Gentoo Penguins have a white belly and a bright orange-red beak.

Galapagos Penguins have a black back and white belly, with a distinctive black band across their chest.

What do penguins eat?

Most penguins eat krill (which is kind of like shrimp), fish, squid, and other types of sea life that they can catch while they swim in the water.

Do penguins have any predators?

Penguins have a few predators and these include sharks, orcas, and leopard seals. Humans used to hunt penguins for their oil and eggs, but because penguins are protected, this is now illegal.

How do penguins protect themselves?

One of the biggest ways that penguins protect themselves is by living in large groups.

Many predators will be less likely to attack if there are a lot of penguins around, and this also helps because there are so many of them keeping lookout.

Another way penguins protect themselves is by their special camouflage on their feathers which is called countershading.

Penguins have black feathers on their backs and white on their fronts, so if a predator is looking up from the water, like an orca or a leopard seal, they will have a hard time seeing the penguin because of the bright water surface.

Finally, penguins are excellent swimmers and can outswim a lot of their predators.

If they get close to land, they can jump out of the water at a high speed and quickly escape the threat.

Explorers first called them "Strange Geese."

The Galapagos penguin first bumped into the explorers who visited the Galapagos Islands in the 16th century. These penguins were mistaken for strange geese as they were unfamiliar with penguins. Later scientists realized that the birds were a penguin species and named them the Galapagos penguin.

Climate change is also a threat to the Galapagos penguin. Sea temperatures can impact penguins' ability to find food, as their prey species may migrate to cooler waters. Efforts are being made to protect the Galapagos penguin.

Penguins don't have teeth.

No, Penguins do not have teeth. They have small spines or barbs on the tongues and the roof of their mouths that help them grip and swallow their prey. Penguins do not chew their food; they use the powerful muscles in their stomachs to break down and digest it. Penguins are expert hunters and can dive to depths of up to 500 feet to catch their prey. Once they catch their prey, penguins use their barbed tongues and mouths to grip and swallow it whole.

Why are penguins called flightless birds?

Penguins are a group of flightless birds that have adapted to life in the water. As penguins cannot fly, they have developed a unique talent that allows them to swim and dive with incredible speed and agility. One of the striking adaptations of penguins is their ability to "fly" underwater. Penguins can swim up to 22 miles per hour and dive to depths over 500 feet. Penguins also have the ability to waterproof feathers that keep them warm and dry while diving.

Emperor Penguins can Hold Their Breath Underwater for an Average of 20 Minutes.

Yes, Emperor penguins can hold their breath underwater for an average of 20 to 27 minutes. Emperor Penguins are the largest species of penguins. This adaption of holding their breath for so long helps them to dive to depths of over 500 meters in search of food. While hunting for food, emperor penguins can swim up to 8 miles per hour using their wings to propel themselves through the water. An Emperor penguin can consume up to 4.4 pounds of food in a single feeding session.

Why are penguins called business goose?

The Chinese word for penguin, 企鹅 (qǐ'é), is made up of two characters: 企 (qǐ) and 鹅 (é). The character 企 (qǐ) means "Business," while 鹅 (é) means "goose." When these two characters are combined, they create a word that literally translates to "business goose." The reason for this translation is unclear, but it is believed that penguins, like geese, stand upright and have long necks. Chinese people use the term 企鹅 (qǐ'é) to refer to penguins without any reference to geese or business.

The Oldest Penguin Fossil

The oldest penguin fossil was discovered in 1982 on Seymour Island, off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. The fossil was found by a team of paleontologists led by Dr. Ewan Fordyce from the University of Otago, New Zealand.

The fossil was estimated to be about 61 million years old and belongs to a previously unknown species of penguin known as Waimanu Manneringi. This ancient penguin species was about the size of a modern-day rockhopper penguin, standing about 2.5 feet tall, and had a long beak with teeth, unlike most penguins.

Physical Characteristics of Penguins

Penguins come in various sizes, have black and white coloration, and have a thick layer of feathers to keep them warm. Their wings have evolved into flippers, and they have webbed feet that help them swim. Penguins can hold their breath for extended periods and dive to great depths for food.

Penguins Breeding and Reproduction

Penguin breeding and reproduction involve elaborate mating rituals and nest building. Female penguins typically lay one or two eggs, and both parents take turns incubating eggs and feeding chicks. Chicks grow and eventually grow feathers, leaving the nest to learn how to swim and hunt for food.

Quick Facts

Some More Penguin Facts

Most penguins live in the Southern Hemisphere.

They spend half their life on land and half in the water.

Penguins eat krill, fish, squid, and other sea creatures.

Their biggest predators are sharks, orcas, and leopard seals.

Penguins can swim at speeds of over 20 miles per hour.

Whether you are familiar with penguins from nature shows, or tap-dancing movies, they are popular animals that many people know and love.

Penguins are excellent swimmers and are known for their belly slides and waddles. These fascinating creatures will continue to inspire stories and movies for years to come!

Now, let's explore more animal facts! But before you do, one last thing. Can you name two other animals you might find around the North Pole or South Pole?

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35 Interesting Penguin Facts For Kids [year] [With Pictures]

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35 Interesting Penguin Facts For Kids [With Pictures] Cartoons have been made about them, as well as movies where they've shown off their dancing skills. Although penguins probably aren't dancing around on the ice, there

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Pythons don't chase after their dinner. They are ambush hunters that can locate warm-blooded animals by using heat-sensing "pits" or holes along their jaw. They wait until the animal comes close, then a python grabs the prey with its sharp, backward-curving teeth, wraps coils of its body around the prey, and squeezes tight.

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Python Facts

Pythons are one of the largest snakes. Unlike many other snake species, pythons don't produce venom - they are non-venomous snakes. Pythons live in the tropical areas of Africa and Asia. They can be found in rainforests, savannas and deserts. A lot of people keep them as pets. Pythons don't attack humans, unless they are provoked or stressed.

Pythons are constrictors. They kill their prey by squeezing them until they stop breathing.

After they kill an animal, they will swallow it in one piece.

Everything except fur and feathers will be digested. Undigested material can be found in the python's poop.

Size of the prey determines the time needed for digestion. Bigger prey can keep the snake satiated for weeks or months. Pythons eat 4-5 times per year.

They eat wild animals such as monkeys, antelopes, caimans...

Pythons attack their prey from the ambush. They are well camouflaged and hidden usually in the trees.

Although they are mainly located on the ground or in the trees, pythons are excellent swimmers.

Colors of the python's skin are usually similar to the colors of its habitat. Snakes blend easily with their environment.

People kill pythons because of their beautiful skin that is used in fashion industry.

Pythons have heat-sensing organs which help them locate the prey.

Female lays 12-36 eggs. She protects eggs and keeps them warm by coiling her body around them. When babies hatch, mother leaves the nest. Young snakes need to look after themselves from the first day.

Pythons are cold-blooded animals, but they can increase their body temperature through sunbathing.

One of the longest known python species is Reticulated Python which can reach 30 feet in length. Most snakes weigh between 260-300 pounds.

Pythons can move 1 mile per hour on the flat ground.

In captivity, pythons may live up to 40 years.

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Pythons are one of the largest snakes. Unlike many other snake species, pythons don't produce venom - they are non-venomous snakes. Pythons live in the tropical areas of Africa and Asia. They can be found in rainforests, savannas and deserts. A lot of people keep them as pets.

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Cheetah Facts for Kids • Cheetah Conservation Fund

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Get the coolest cheetah facts for kids from the world’s leading experts on cheetahs. Written for your reports, presentations, and personal enjoyment!

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Dolphins are mammals in the order Cetacea. They are part of the toothed whales. Generally, they are among the smaller whales. Most live in salt water oceans, but some live in rivers - there are oceanic dolphins and river dolphins. Dolphins are from 1.5 to 4 metres (4.5 ft to 13 ft) long. The Killer whale is the largest of the group, and can be about 8 metres (26 ft).

The name 'dolphin' comes from the Ancient Greek δελφίς ( delphis) meaning "with a womb", because it was first thought to be a fish with a womb. It is now known to be a mammal, and quite an intelligent mammal. Dolphins breathe air. A dolphin's nose is on top of its head so the dolphin can easily breathe on the surface of the water. The skin of a dolphin has no scales. It is soft and smooth. However, it is very firm, due to how much muscle they have. Dolphins use echolocation to find their food.

Parvorder Odontoceti, toothed whales

Family Platanistidae

Family Iniidae

Family Lipotidae
Baiji (or Chinese river dolphin), Lipotes vexillifer (possibly extinct, since December 2006)

Family Pontoporiidae

Family Delphinidae, oceanic dolphins

Genus Delphinus

Genus

Common bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus

Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops aduncus

Burrunan dolphin, Tursiops australis, a newly discovered species from the sea around Melbourne in September 2011.

Genus Lissodelphis

Northern right whale dolphin, Lissodelphis borealis

Southern right whale dolphin, Lissodelphis peronii

Genus Sousa

Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Sousa chinensis
Chinese white dolphin (the Chinese variant), Sousa chinensis chinensis

Atlantic humpback dolphin, Sousa teuszii

Genus Stenella

Genus Cephalorhynchus

Chilean dolphin, Cephalorhynchus eutropia

Commerson's dolphin, Cephalorhynchus commersonii

Haviside's dolphin, Cephalorhynchus heavisidii

Hector's dolphin, Cephalorhynchus hectori

Genus Lagenorhynchus

Atlantic white-sided dolphin, Lagenorhynchus acutus

Dusky dolphin, Lagenorhynchus obscurus

Hourglass dolphin, Lagenorhynchus cruciger

Pacific white-sided dolphin, Lagenorhynchus obliquidens

Peale's dolphin, Lagenorhynchus australis

White-beaked dolphin, Lagenorhynchus albirostris

Genus Orcaella

Australian snubfin dolphin, Orcaella heinsohni

Irrawaddy dolphin, Orcaella brevirostris

Genus Pseudorca

Genus Globicephala

Genus †Australodelphis

Six species in the family Delphinidae are commonly called "whales", but genetically are dolphins. They are sometimes called blackfish.

Dolphins have torpedo shaped bodies with generally non-flexible necks, limbs modified into flippers, non-existent external ear flaps, a tail fin, and bulbous heads. Dolphin skulls have small eye orbits, long snouts, and eyes placed on the sides of its head. Dolphins range in size from the 1.7 metres (5.6 ft) long and 50 kilograms (110 lb) Maui's dolphin to the 9.5 metres (31 ft) and 10 metric tons (11 short tons) killer whale. Overall, however, they tend to be dwarfed by other Cetartiodactyls. Several species have female-biased sexual dimorphism, with the females being larger than the males.

Dolphins have conical shape teeth, as opposed to their counterparts, porpoise's, spade-shaped teeth. These conical teeth are used to catch swift prey such as fish, squid or large mammals, such as seal.

Breathing involves expelling stale air from their blowhole, forming an upward, steamy spout, followed by inhaling fresh air into the lungs, however this only occurs in the polar regions of the oceans. Dolphins have rather small, unidentifiable spouts.

All dolphins have a thick layer of blubber, thickness varying on climate. This blubber can help with buoyancy, protection to some extent as predators would have a hard time getting through a thick layer of fat, and energy for leaner times; the primary usage for blubber is insulation from the harsh climate. Calves, generally, are born with a thin layer of blubber, which develops at different paces depending on the habitat.

Dolphins have a two-chambered stomach that is similar in structure to terrestrial carnivores. They have fundic and pyloric chambers.

Locomotion

Dolphins have two flippers on the underside toward the head, a dorsal fin and a tail fin. These flippers contain four digits. Although dolphins do not possess fully developed hind limbs, some possess discrete rudimentary appendages, which may contain feet and digits. Dolphins are fast swimmers in comparison to seals who typically cruise at 9-28 kilometres per hour (5.6-17.4 mph); the killer whale, in comparison, can travel at speeds up to 55.5 kilometres per hour (34.5 mph). The fusing of the neck vertebrae, while increasing stability when swimming at high speeds, decreases flexibility, which means they are unable to turn their heads. River dolphins, however, have non-fused neck vertebrae and are able to turn their head up to 90°. Dolphins swim by moving their tail fin and rear body vertically, while their flippers are mainly used for steering. Some species log out of the water, which may allow them to travel faster. Their skeletal anatomy allows them to be fast swimmers. All species have a dorsal fin to prevent themselves from involuntarily spinning in the water.

Some dolphins are adapted for diving to great depths. In addition to their streamlined bodies, some can slow their heart rate to conserve oxygen. Some can also re-route blood from tissue tolerant of water pressure to the heart, brain and other organs. Their hemoglobin and myoglobin store oxygen in body tissues and they have twice the concentration of myoglobin than hemoglobin.

The dolphin ear has specific adaptations to the marine environment. In humans, the middle ear works as an impedance equalizer between the outside air's low impedance and the cochlear fluid's high impedance. In dolphins, and other marine mammals, there is no great difference between the outer and inner environments. Instead of sound passing through the outer ear to the middle ear, dolphins receive sound through the throat, from which it passes through a low-impedance fat-filled cavity to the inner ear. The dolphin ear is acoustically isolated from the skull by air-filled sinus pockets, which allow for greater directional hearing underwater. Dolphins send out high frequency clicks from an organ known as a melon. This melon consists of fat, and the skull of any such creature containing a melon will have a large depression. This allows dolphins to produce biosonar for orientation. Though most dolphins do not have hair, they do have hair follicles that may perform some sensory function. Beyond locating an object, echolocation also provides the animal with an idea on an object's shape and size, though how exactly this works is not yet understood. The small hairs on the rostrum of the boto are believed to function as a tactile sense, possibly to compensate for the boto's poor eyesight.

The dolphin eye is relatively small for its size, yet they do retain a good degree of eyesight. As well as this, the eyes of a dolphin are placed on the sides of its head, so their vision consists of two fields, rather than a binocular view like humans have. When dolphins surface, their lens and cornea correct the nearsightedness that results from the refraction of light; they contain both rod and cone cells, meaning they can see in both dim and bright light, but they have far more rod cells than they do cone cells. Dolphins do, however, lack short wavelength sensitive visual pigments in their cone cells indicating a more limited capacity for color vision than most mammals. Most dolphins have slightly flattened eyeballs, enlarged pupils (which shrink as they surface to prevent damage), slightly flattened corneas and a tapetum lucidum; these adaptations allow for large amounts of light to pass through the eye and, therefore, a very clear image of the surrounding area. They also have glands on the eyelids and outer corneal layer that act as protection for the cornea.

The olfactory lobes are absent in dolphins, suggesting that they have no sense of smell.

Dolphins are not thought to have a good sense of taste, as their taste buds are atrophied or missing altogether. However, some have preferences between different kinds of fish, indicating some sort of attachment to taste.

Dolphins are often regarded as one of Earth's most intelligent animals, though it is hard to say just how intelligent. Comparing species' relative intelligence is complicated by differences in sensory apparatus, response modes, and nature of cognition. Furthermore, the difficulty and expense of experimental work with large aquatic animals has so far prevented some tests and limited sample size and rigor in others. Compared to many other species, however, dolphin behavior has been studied extensively, both in captivity and in the wild. See cetacean intelligence for more details.

Social behavior

Dolphins are highly social animals, often living in pods of up to a dozen individuals, though pod sizes and structures vary greatly between species and locations. In places with a high abundance of food, pods can merge temporarily, forming a superpod; such groupings may exceed 1,000 dolphins. Membership in pods is not rigid; interchange is common. Dolphins can, however, establish strong social bonds; they will stay with injured or ill individuals, even helping them to breathe by bringing them to the surface if needed. This altruism does not appear to be limited to their own species. The dolphin in New Zealand has been observed guiding a female Pygmy Sperm Whale together with her calf out of shallow water where they had stranded several times. They have also been seen protecting swimmers from sharks by swimming circles around the swimmers or charging the sharks to make them go away.

Dolphins communicate using a variety of clicks, whistle-like sounds and other vocalizations. Dolphins also use nonverbal communication by means of touch and posturing.

Dolphins also display culture, something long believed to be unique to humans (and possibly other primate species). In May 2005, a discovery in Australia found Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops aduncus) teaching their young to use tools. They cover their snouts with sponges to protect them while foraging. This knowledge is mostly transferred by mothers to daughters, unlike simian primates, where knowledge is generally passed on to both sexes. Using sponges as mouth protection is a learned behavior. Another learned behavior was discovered among river dolphins in Brazil, where some male dolphins use weeds and sticks as part of a sexual display.

Forms of care-giving between fellows and even for members of different species (see Moko (dolphin)) are recorded in various species - such as trying to save weakened fellows or female pilot whales holding up dead calves for long periods.

Dolphins engage in acts of aggression towards each other. The older a male dolphin is, the more likely his body is to be covered with bite scars. Male dolphins engage in acts of aggression apparently for the same reasons as humans: disputes between companions and competition for females. Acts of aggression can become so intense that targeted dolphins sometimes go into exile after losing a fight.

Male bottlenose dolphins have been known to engage in infanticide. Dolphins have also been known to kill porpoises for reasons which are not fully understood, as porpoises generally do not share the same diet as dolphins and are therefore not competitors for food supplies. The Cornwall Wildlife Trust records about one such death a year. Possible explanations include misdirected infanticide, misdirected sexual aggression or play behaviour.

Reproduction and sexuality

Dolphins' reproductive organs are located on the underside of the body.

The gestation period varies with species; for the small Tucuxi dolphin, this period is around 11 to 12 months, while for the orca, the gestation period is around 17 months. Typically dolphins give birth to a single calf, which is, unlike most other mammals, born tail first in most cases. The age of sexual maturity varies by species and gender.

Various methods of feeding exist among and within species, some apparently exclusive to a single population. Fish and squid are the main food, but the false killer whale and the orca also feed on other marine mammals. Orcas on occasion also hunt whale species larger than themselves.

One common feeding method is herding, where a pod squeezes a school of fish into a small volume, known as a bait ball. Individual members then take turns plowing through the ball, feeding on the stunned fish. Coralling is a method where dolphins chase fish into shallow water to catch them more easily. Orcas and bottlenose dolphins have also been known to drive their prey onto a beach to feed on it, a behaviour known as beach or strand feeding. Some species also whack fish with their flukes, stunning them and sometimes knocking them out of the water.

Vocalizations

Dolphins are capable of making a broad range of sounds using nasal airsacs located just below the blowhole. Roughly three categories of sounds can be identified: frequency modulated whistles, burst-pulsed sounds and clicks. Dolphins communicate with whistle-like sounds produced by vibrating connective tissue, similar to the way human vocal cords function, and through burst-pulsed sounds, though the nature and extent of that ability is not known. The clicks are directional and are for echolocation, often occurring in a short series called a click train. The click rate increases when approaching an object of interest. Dolphin echolocation clicks are amongst the loudest sounds made by marine animals.

Bottlenose dolphins have been found to have signature whistles, a whistle that is unique to a specific individual. These whistles are used in order for dolphins to communicate with one another by identifying an individual. It can be seen as the dolphin equivalent of a name for humans. These signature whistles are developed during a dolphin's first year; it continues to maintain the same sound throughout its lifetime. In order to obtain each individual whistle sound, dolphins undergo vocal production learning. This consists of an experience with other dolphins that modifies the signal structure of an existing whistle sound. An auditory experience influences the whistle development of each dolphin. Dolphins are able to communicate to one another by addressing another dolphin through mimicking their whistle. The signature whistle of a male bottlenose dolphin tends to be similar to that of his mother, while the signature whistle of a female bottlenose dolphin tends to be more distinguishing. Bottlenose dolphins have a strong memory when it comes to these signature whistles, as they are able to relate to a signature whistle of an individual they have not encountered for over twenty years. Research done on signature whistle usage by other dolphin species is relatively limited. The research on other species done so far has yielded varied outcomes and inconclusive results.

Because dolphins are generally associated in groups, communication is necessary. Signal masking is when other similar sounds (conspecific sounds) interfere with the original acoustic sound. In larger groups, individual whistle sounds are less prominent. Dolphins tend to travel in pods, upon which there are groups of dolphins that range from a few to many. Although they are traveling in these pods, the dolphins do not necessarily swim right next to each other. Rather, they swim within the same general vicinity. In order to prevent losing one of their pod members, there are higher whistle rates. Because their group members were spread out, this was done in order to continue traveling together.

Jumping and playing

Dolphins frequently leap above the water surface, this being done for various reasons. When travelling, jumping can save the dolphin energy as there is less friction while in the air. This type of travel is known as porpoising. Other reasons include orientation, social displays, fighting, non-verbal communication, entertainment and attempting to dislodge parasites.

Dolphins show various types of playful behavior, often including objects, self-made bubble rings, other dolphins or other animals. When playing with objects or small animals, common behavior includes carrying the object or animal along using various parts of the body, passing it along to other members of the group or taking it from another member, or throwing it out of the water. Dolphins have also been observed harassing animals in other ways, for example by dragging birds underwater without showing any intent to eat them. Playful behaviour that involves another animal species with active participation of the other animal can also be observed however. Playful human interaction with dolphins being the most obvious example, however playful interactions have been observed in the wild with a number of other species as well, such as humpback whales and dogs.

Juvenile dolphins off the coast of Western Australia have been observed chasing, capturing, and chewing on blowfish. While some reports that the dolphins are becoming intoxicated on the tetrodotoxin in the fishes' skin, other reports have characterized this behavior as the normal curiosity and exploration of their environment in which dolphins engage.

Intelligence

Dolphins are known to teach, learn, cooperate, scheme, and grieve. The neocortex of many species is home to elongated spindle neurons that, prior to 2007, were known only in hominids.

Brain size was previously considered a major indicator of the intelligence of an animal. Since most of the brain is used for maintaining bodily functions, greater ratios of brain to body mass may increase the amount of brain mass available for more complex cognitive tasks. Allometric analysis indicates that mammalian brain size scales at approximately the ⅔ or ¾ exponent of the body mass. Comparison of a particular animal's brain size with the expected brain size based on such allometric analysis provides an encephalization quotient that can be used as another indication of animal intelligence. Killer whales have the second largest brain mass of any animal on earth, next to the sperm whale. The brain to body mass ratio in some is second only to humans.

Self-awareness is seen, by some, to be a sign of highly developed, abstract thinking. Self-awareness, though not well-defined scientifically, is believed to be the precursor to more advanced processes like meta-cognitive reasoning (thinking about thinking) that are typical of humans. Research in this field has suggested that cetaceans, among others, possess self-awareness. The most widely used test for self-awareness in animals is the mirror test in which a temporary dye is placed on an animal's body, and the animal is then presented with a mirror; they then see if the animal shows signs of self-recognition.

Some disagree with these findings, arguing that the results of these tests are open to human interpretation and susceptible to the Clever Hans effect. This test is much less definitive than when used for primates, because primates can touch the mark or the mirror, while cetaceans cannot, making their alleged self-recognition behavior less certain. Skeptics argue that behaviors that are said to identify self-awareness resemble existing social behaviors, and so researchers could be misinterpreting self-awareness for social responses to another individual. The researchers counter-argue that the behaviors shown are evidence of self-awareness, as they are very different from normal responses to another individual. Whereas apes can merely touch the mark on themselves with their fingers, cetaceans show less definitive behavior of self-awareness; they can only twist and turn themselves to observe the mark.

In 1995, Marten and Psarakos used television to test dolphin self-awareness. They showed dolphins real-time footage of themselves, recorded footage, and another dolphin. They concluded that their evidence suggested self-awareness rather than social behavior. While this particular study has not been repeated since then, dolphins have since passed the mirror test.

Generally, dolphins sleep with only one brain hemisphere in slow-wave sleep at a time, thus maintaining enough consciousness to breathe and to watch for possible predators and other threats. Earlier sleep stages can occur simultaneously in both hemispheres. In captivity, dolphins seemingly enter a fully asleep state where both eyes are closed and there is no response to mild external stimuli. In this case, respiration is automatic; a tail kick reflex keeps the blowhole above the water if necessary. Anesthetized dolphins initially show a tail kick reflex. Though a similar state has been observed with wild sperm whales, it is not known if dolphins in the wild reach this state. The Indus river dolphin has a sleep method that is different from that of other dolphin species. Living in water with strong currents and potentially dangerous floating debris, it must swim continuously to avoid injury. As a result, this species sleeps in very short bursts which last between 4 and 60 seconds.

Natural threats

Dolphins have few natural enemies. Some species or specific populations have none, making them apex predators. For most of the smaller species of dolphins, only a few of the larger sharks, such as the bull shark, dusky shark, tiger shark and great white shark, are a potential risk, especially for calves. Some of the larger dolphin species, especially orcas (killer whales), may also prey on smaller dolphins, but this seems rare. Dolphins also suffer from a wide variety of diseases and parasites. The Cetacean morbillivirus in particular has been known to cause regional epizootics often leaving hundreds of animals of various species dead. Symptoms of infection are often a severe combination of pneumonia, encephalitis and damage to the immune system, which greatly impair the cetacean's ability to swim and stay afloat unassisted. A study at the U.S. National Marine Mammal Foundation revealed that dolphins, like humans, develop a natural form of type 2 diabetes which may lead to a better understanding of the disease and new treatments for both humans and dolphins.

Dolphins can tolerate and recover from extreme injuries such as shark bites although the exact methods used to achieve this are not known. The healing process is rapid and even very deep wounds do not cause dolphins to hemorrhage to death. Furthermore, even gaping wounds restore in such a way that the animal's body shape is restored, and infection of such large wounds seems rare.

The study, published in the journal Marine Mammal Science, suggests that at least some dolphins are up to the shark challenge with research finding that many dolphins survive attacks using everything from sophisticated combat moves to teaming up against the shark.

Human threats

Some dolphin species face an uncertain future, especially some river dolphin species such as the Amazon river dolphin, and the Ganges and Yangtze river dolphin, which are critically or seriously endangered. A 2006 survey found no individuals of the Yangtze river dolphin, which now appears to be functionally extinct.

Pesticides, heavy metals, plastics, and other industrial and agricultural pollutants that do not disintegrate rapidly in the environment concentrate in predators such as dolphins. Injuries or deaths due to collisions with boats, especially their propellers, are also common.

Various fishing methods, most notably purse seine fishing for tuna and the use of drift and gill nets, unintentionally kill many dolphins. Accidental by-catch in gill nets and incidental captures in antipredator nets that protect marine fish farms are common and pose a risk for mainly local dolphin populations. In some parts of the world, such as Taiji in Japan and the Faroe Islands, dolphins are traditionally considered food and are killed in harpoon or drive hunts. Dolphin meat is high in mercury and may thus pose a health danger to humans when consumed.

Loud underwater noises, such as those resulting from naval sonar use, live firing exercises, and certain offshore construction projects such as wind farms, may be harmful to dolphins, increasing stress, damaging hearing, and causing decompression sickness by forcing them to surface too quickly to escape the noise.

Dolphins and other smaller cetaceans are also hunted in an activity known as dolphin drive hunting. This is accomplished by driving a pod together with boats and usually into a bay or onto a beach. Their escape is prevented by closing off the route to the ocean with other boats or nets. Dolphins are hunted this way in several places around the world, including the Solomon Islands, the Faroe Islands, Peru, and Japan, the most well-known practitioner of this method. By numbers, dolphins are mostly hunted for their meat, though some end up in dolphinariums. Despite the controversial nature of the hunt resulting in international criticism, and the possible health risk that the often polluted meat causes, thousands of dolphins are caught in drive hunts each year.

Relationships with humans

In history and religion

Dolphins have long played a role in human culture. Dolphins are sometimes used as symbols, for instance in heraldry.

In Greek myths, dolphins were seen invariably as helpers of humankind. Dolphins also seem to have been important to the Minoans, judging by artistic evidence from the ruined palace at Knossos. During the 2009 excavations of a major Mycenaean city at Iklaina, a striking fragment of a wall-paintings came to light, depicting a ship with three human figures and dolphins. Dolphins are common in Greek mythology, and many coins from ancient Greece have been found which feature a man, a boy or a deity riding on the back of a dolphin. The Ancient Greeks welcomed dolphins; spotting dolphins riding in a ship's wake was considered a good omen. In both ancient and later art, Cupid is often shown riding a dolphin. A dolphin rescued the poet Arion from drowning and carried him safe to land, at Cape Matapan, a promontory forming the southernmost point of the Peloponnesus. There was a temple to Poseidon and a statue of Arion riding the dolphin.

The Greeks reimagined the Phoenician god Melqart as Melikertês (Melicertes) and made him the son of Athamas and Ino. He drowned but was transfigured as the marine deity Palaemon, while his mother became Leucothea. ( cf Ino.) At Corinth, he was so closely connected with the cult of Poseidon that the Isthmian Games, originally instituted in Poseidon's honor, came to be looked upon as the funeral games of Melicertes. Phalanthus was another legendary character brought safely to shore (in Italy) on the back of a dolphin, according to Pausanias.

Dionysus was once captured by Etruscan pirates who mistook him for a wealthy prince they could ransom. After the ship set sail Dionysus invoked his divine powers, causing vines to overgrow the ship where the mast and sails had been. He turned the oars into serpents, so terrifying the sailors that they jumped overboard, but Dionysus took pity on them and transformed them into dolphins so that they would spend their lives providing help for those in need. Dolphins were also the messengers of Poseidon and sometimes did errands for him as well. Dolphins were sacred to both Aphrodite and Apollo.

When heraldry developed in the Middle Ages, not much was known about the biology of the dolphin and it was often depicted as a sort of fish. Traditionally, the stylised dolphins in heraldry still may take after this notion, sometimes showing the dolphin skin covered with fish scales.

Dolphins are present in the coat of arms of Anguilla and the coat of arms of Romania, and the coat of arms of Barbados has a dolphin supporter. A well-known historical example of a dolphin in heraldry, was the arms for the former province of the Dauphiné in southern France, from which were derived the arms and the title of the Dauphin of France, the heir to the former throne of France (the title literally means "The Dolphin of France").

"Dolfin" was the name of an aristocratic family in the maritime Republic of Venice, whose most prominent member was the 13th Century Doge Giovanni Dolfin.

In Hindu mythology the Ganges River Dolphin is associated with Ganga, the deity of the Ganges river. The dolphin is said to be among the creatures which heralded the goddess' descent from the heavens and her mount, the Makara, is sometimes depicted as a dolphin.

The Boto, a species of river dolphin that resides in the Amazon River, are believed to be shapeshifters, or encantados, who are capable of having children with human women.

In captivity

The renewed popularity of dolphins in the 1960s resulted in the appearance of many dolphinaria around the world, making dolphins accessible to the public. Criticism and animal welfare laws forced many to close, although hundreds still exist around the world. In the United States, the best known are the SeaWorld marine mammal parks. In the Middle East the best known are Dolphin Bay at Atlantis, The Palm and the Dubai Dolphinarium.

Various species of dolphins are kept in captivity. These small cetaceans are more often than not kept in theme parks, such as SeaWorld, commonly known as a dolphinarium. Bottlenose dolphins are the most common species of dolphin kept in dolphinariums as they are relatively easy to train, have a long lifespan in captivity and have a friendly appearance. Hundreds if not thousands of bottlenose dolphins live in captivity across the world, though exact numbers are hard to determine. Other species kept in captivity are spotted dolphins, false killer whales and common dolphins, Commerson's dolphins, as well as rough-toothed dolphins, but all in much lower numbers than the bottlenose dolphin. There are also fewer than ten pilot whales, Amazon river dolphins, Risso's dolphins, spinner dolphins, or tucuxi in captivity. An unusual and very rare hybrid dolphin, known as a wolphin, is kept at the Sea Life Park in Hawaii, which is a cross between a bottlenose dolphin and a false killer whale.

Killer whales are well known for their performances in shows, but the number of orcas kept in captivity is very small, especially when compared to the number of bottlenose dolphins, with only 44 captive killer whales being held in aquaria as of 2012. The killer whale's intelligence, trainability, striking appearance, playfulness in captivity and sheer size have made it a popular exhibit at aquaria and aquatic theme parks. From 1976 to 1997, 55 whales were taken from the wild in Iceland, 19 from Japan, and three from Argentina. These figures exclude animals that died during capture. Live captures fell dramatically in the 1990s, and by 1999, about 40% of the 48 animals on display in the world were captive-born.

Organizations such as the Mote Marine Laboratory rescue and rehabilitate sick, wounded, stranded or orphaned dolphins while others, such as the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society, work on dolphin conservation and welfare. India has declared the dolphin as its national aquatic animal in an attempt to protect the endangered Ganges River Dolphin. The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary has been created in the Ganges river for the protection of the animals.

Images for kids

The face of a common bottlenose dolphin

Silver stater from Tarentum c. 290 BC showing Phalanthos riding a dolphin on one side and a rider with a shield decorated with a dolphin on the other side.

SeaWorld San Diego pilot whale with trainers.

In Spanish: Delphinidae para niños

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Cheetahs are such cool animals and run seriously fast! You certainly wouldn't be able to catch up with them. Read on for some cool cheetah facts so you're in the know!

Their scientific name is ' Acinonyx Jubatus ' which comes from the word 'chita'. Any ideas what that means? It means 'spotted one'.

Well, the cheetah's name definitely describes it well, don't you think?!

How Many Cheetahs are Left in the World?

Most of these big cats live in eastern and south-western Africa. A few (very few), are left living in Iran.

Cheetahs are considered a threatened species these days with only only 7,000 to 13000 left in the wild. That's so sad!

Cheetahs have become threatened due to loss of habitat (a place where they live) and decreasing food sources.

What does a Cheetah look like?

Cheetahs are slender athletic cats, much smaller than lions and tigers. They look a bit like leopards, but are much leaner with round spots.

They have slim, muscular long legs, flexible spine and a small round head, all of which help them run very fast.

At the shoulder, an adult cheetah stands around 30 inches tall. It's body is around 50 to 60 inches long, with a long tail that measures another 30 inches.

How much does a Cheetah weigh?

An adult Cheetah weighs between 75 to 150 pounds, which means a single male lion weighs as much as 3 adult cheetahs.

How Fast are Cheetahs?

Cheetah is famous for being the fastest land animal, and can reach speeds of 70 miles per hour. Cheetahs can accelerate to 60 miles per hour (about 97 kilometers) in just 3 seconds.

When a cheetah is running at full speed, each stride is often about 20 feet, and when their legs are spread out during a stride, it almost looks like they are flying. Wow!

Where do Cheetahs Live?

Cheetahs can be found throughout eastern and southern Africa, and favor open grasslands where they can run fast and hunt.

Cheetahs do not live in the jungle or rainforest.

There are five subspecies (types) of cheetahs:

1. Northwest African Cheetah

2. South African Cheetah

3. Asiatic Cheetah

4. Sudan Cheetah

5. Tanzanian Cheetah

Baby Cheetah

A baby cheetah is called a cub.

Female cheetahs live alone unless she is caring for her cubs.

A mother cheetah will usually give birth to 3 to 5 cubs, but 6 to 8 cubs can be born in a single litter.

At birth, Cheetahs are blind, but within 10 days their eyes open and they can see. They get teeth by the time they are 3 week old.

Within 6 months of birth, Cheetah cubs reach half their adult size, and begin to learn to hunt from their mothers.

A mother cheetah usually stays with her cubs for no longer than 18 months after which she leaves them.

The cubs then stay on together for another 6 to 8 months, after which the females will leave on their own and the males will go on to stay together for life.

What do Cheetahs Eat?

Cheetahs are carnivores, meaning they eat meat. Cheetahs hunt in the day time. They do not hunt daily, and usually hunt once in 2 to 4 days.

Female Cheetahs with cubs will hunt daily as she has to feed her cubs.

Cheetahs have excellent eyesight and can spot their prey from far. They then use their great speed to chase down their prey, trip them, and kill with a bite to the neck.

They eat antelopes, warthogs, birds, zebras, gazelles, deer, antelopes and impalas.

After cheetahs catch their prey (food), they will bring it to a shaded hiding place so other animals don't see it.

Cheetahs do not like to fight. They will give up their prey if a larger, more aggressive animal approaches them, so that they avoid a fight.

Cheetahs - from the Cat Family

Cheetahs are mammals like you, which mean that they are warm-blooded.

Cheetahs are in the cat family. That's hardly a surprise, seeing as though they look like a cat!

Cheetahs are sometimes mistaken for leopards but a cheetah's spots are more round and they have long black lines that run from their eyes to their mouth called tears.

Now you can tell the difference!

How long do Cheetahs Live?

Cheetahs usually live 7 to 10 years in the wild. But they can live up to 16 years in captivity because they don't have to face predators or fight for food while in captivity.

What Sound Does a Cheetah Make?

Cheetahs produce a variety of different sounds to communicate with each other including growls, purrs that generally denote contentment, chirps (between a mother and her cubs), and an "explosive yelp" heard by humans from 2 km (1.24 mi.) away.

More Interesting Facts about Cheetahs

A cheetah has between 2,000 to 3,000 spots! That is a lot of spots.

Cheetahs do not roar like lions or tigers. They let out a chirping noise when they feel threatened and they purr if they feel happy. How cute is that?

Both male and female cheetahs are called cheetahs.

A cheetah's predators are lions and hyenas.

Cheetahs eyesight is so good, they can see up to 3 miles in detail. But they lack special night vision unlike most other cats.

Cheetahs only need to drink once every 2 to 4 days and can survive up to 10 days without water.

Cheetahs sleep 12 hours a day and cannot climb trees.

Their claws are rather different from the other big cats and are only semi-retractable. This gives them grip while running.

Cheetahs use their long tail like a rudder, which helps them steer and turn fast while chasing prey at great speed.

Cheetahs need to breathe at 150 breaths per minute while running at their fastest.

Cheetahs were kept as pets and trained to help people hunt in Ancient Egypt. Even today, some countries in Africa and Western Asia allow domestication of Cheetahs.

So there you have the coolest facts about these awesome creatures! Ready for some more fun animal facts.

The Most Dangerous Animal is...The Hippo?

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51 Interesting Cheetah Facts for Kids [year] [With Pictures]

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Cheetahs are such cool animals and run seriously fast! You certainly wouldn't be able to catch up with them. Read on for some cool cheetah facts so you're in the know! Their scientific name is ' Acinonyx Jubatus ' which comes from the word 'chita'. Any ideas what that means?

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Check out our awesome range of animal facts for kids and learn some fun trivia about our friends in the animal kingdom.

Fun Cheetah Facts for Kids

Learn more about the cheetah by reading these fun cheetah facts. Cheetahs are part of the big cat family and while they can't climb trees, they can run faster than any other land animal. Read on for more interesting cheetah information.

The cheetah is the fastest land animal in the world. They can reach a top speed of around 113 km per hour.

A cheetah can accelerate from 0 to 113 km in just a few seconds.

Cheetahs are extremely fast however they tire quickly and can only keep up their top speed for a few minutes before they are too tired to continue.

Cheetahs are smaller than other members of the big cat family, weighing only 45 - 60 kilograms.

One way to always recognise a cheetah is by the long, black lines which run from the inside of each eye to the mouth. These are usually called "tear lines" and scientists believe they help protect the cheetah's eyes from the harsh sun and help them to see long distances.

Cheetahs are the only big cat that cannot roar. They can purr though and usually purr most loudly when they are grooming or sitting near other cheetahs.

While lions and leopards usually do their hunting at night, cheetahs hunt for food during the day.

A cheetah has amazing eyesight during the day and can spot prey from 5 km away.

Cheetahs cannot climb trees and have poor night vision.

With their light body weight and blunt claws, cheetahs are not well designed to protect themselves or their prey. When a larger or more aggressive animal approaches a cheetah in the wild, it will give up its catch to avoid a fight.

Cheetahs only need to drink once every three to four days.

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Cheetah Facts - Speed, Prey, Food, Wild, Interesting Information

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Check out our awesome range of animal facts for kids and learn some fun trivia about our friends in the animal kingdom. Fun Cheetah Facts for Kids Learn more about the cheetah by reading these fun cheetah facts. Cheetahs are part of the big cat family and while they can't climb trees, they can run faster than any other land animal.