241 questions and answers in this section

Animals and Nature » Biodiversity

Explain why some animal species exhibit altruistic behavior.

Explain why some animal species exhibit altruistic behavior.

Animal altruism describes the fact that an individual voluntarily adopts behavior that exposes them to risks or personal costs in order to help another member...

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Explain why narwhals have a horn-shaped defense?

Explain why narwhals have a horn-shaped defense?

The narwhal's tusk is a modified tooth that is highly sensitive and serves as a true sensory sensor. It is filled with nerve endings capable...

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Explain why snow can sometimes melt before even touching the ground.

Explain why snow can sometimes melt before even touching the ground.

When snow passes through certain layers of very dry air, it can go directly from a solid state to a gaseous one without even bothering...

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Explain why do some animals change color to camouflage themselves in their environment?

Explain why do some animals change color to camouflage themselves in their environment?

Changing color to blend into the background is far from magical; it's downright clever biology. Most animals use special cells called chromatophores, filled with small...

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Explain why dragons are creatures universally feared.

Explain why dragons are creatures universally feared.

Dragons often represent a cataclysmic force, capable of causing enormous devastation just by sneezing a bit too hard. Breathing fire, their breath can reduce entire...

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Explain why some fish can breathe out of water.

Explain why some fish can breathe out of water.

Some fish have special organs to breathe air directly out of water. For example, some use an adaptation called primitive lung, a sort of air-filled...

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Explain why flies buzz?

Explain why flies buzz?

The wings of flies are made up of a thin membrane traversed by numerous veins, both rigid and very flexible. When the fly flies, its...

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Explain why penguins have a white belly?

Explain why penguins have a white belly?

Penguins benefit from a highly practical white belly: it’s a kind of camouflage called counter-illumination. Viewed from below, the penguin's light-colored belly blends in with...

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Explain why toads have rough skin?

Explain why toads have rough skin?

Toads have thick, granular skin covered with small bumps called poison glands. These glands secrete a toxic substance, bufotoxin, which protects them from overly curious...

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Explain why kangaroos hop to get around?

Explain why kangaroos hop to get around?

Kangaroos primarily live in the vast plains and arid areas of Australia. This open, dry, and shelter-poor environment has favored their jumping ability, which is...

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