The Giant Squid (Architeuthis) The Giant Squid (Architeuthis) is one of the largest squids (and invertebrate, animal

without a backbone). It swims the oceans at great depths. No one has ever seen a living Giant Squid. Only dead examples have been found. These soft-bodied cephalopods are fast-moving carnivores that catch prey with their tentacles, then poison it with a bite from beak-like jaws. They move by squirting water from the mantle through the siphon, a type of jet propulsion. The Giant Squid's only enemy is the sperm whale, who hunts it deep in the ocean. Anatomy: The largest-known Architeuthis was 57 feet (17.5 m) long. They have eight arms, two longer feeding tentacles, a beak, a large head, and two eyes, each the size of a basketball. They breathe using gills. Diet: Giant squid are fast-moving carnivores (meat-eaters) that catch prey (probably large marine creatures) with their two feeding tentacles, then hold the prey with the eight arms and bite it into small pieces using a parrot-like beak. The esophagus runs through the brain, so the food must be in small pieces before swallowing. Polar Bear Ursus maritimus Polar Bears are large, meat-eating bears who are well-adapted for life in their frozen Arctic environment. They are powerful swimmers who hunt seals in the water. Polar bears can run in bursts up to 25 mph (40 kph). Anatomy: Polar Bears are up to 10 feet (3 m) long and weigh about 1,700 pounds (770 kg); males are bigger than females. Polar bears have a small head, powerful jaws, and a black nose and tongue. They have a strong sense of smell. They have 42 teeth; the tail is small and flat. They have wide front paws with slightly webbed toes that help them swim. These bears paddle with their front feet and steer with the hind feet. Fur and Skin: Polar Bears have two types of fur. They have thick, woolly fur close to the skin that keeps them warm. They also have hollow guard hairs that stick up and protect the bears from getting wet. These guard hairs are like drinking straws and are clear-colored (not white). The white-looking coat camouflages them well in the snow and ice. Under the fur, Polar Bears have black skin. They also have a thick layer of fat (up to 4 inches thick) under the skin that helps keep them warm. Habitat and Range: Polar Bears live in icy Arctic areas of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia. They spend much of their time swimming in frigid seas.

Diet: Polar Bears are carnivores (meat-eaters) who frequently hunt and catch their prey in the water, often many miles from land. They are fierce predators who eat mostly seals (and some walruses and other marine mammals). A polar bear's stomach can hold up to 150 pounds. Polar bears don't drink water. Reproduction: When pregnant, females (called sows) build snow dens in which they spend the winter; they usually give birth to twin cubs. Male polar bears (called boars) are active all year. Classification: Kingdom Animalia (animals), Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia (mammals), Order Carnivora, Family Ursidae (bears), Genus Ursus, species U. maritimus(meaning "sea bear"). Rattlesnakes Rattlesnakes are poisonous snakes that have a rattle on their tail. In colder areas, this normally solitary snake overwinters in a den with many other rattlesnakes. These snakes are good swimmers. Rattlers try to avoid humans. The biggest rattlesnake is the Eastern Diamondback. There is even a rattlesnake without a rattle, the Santa Catalina Island Rattlesnake! The Rattle: A hollow rattle on the tail makes a buzzing sound when it moves. After each molt (losing the old skin), the rattle has another section added to it. Older rattlesnakes usually have a longer rattle (unless it has been broken off). Anatomy: Like all snakes, rattlers are cold-blooded; they are the same temperature as the environment. They continue to grow all their lives, getting bigger and bigger each year. Their scaly skin glistens but is dry is to the touch. The scales vary from yellow to brown to black, and there are dark V- or diamond-shaped markings along the back. The snake smells with its tongue and has two long, hollow fangs that inject a relatively weak venom (poison) into prey. Females give birth to about 10 live young, born without a rattle. Hunting and Diet: Rattlesnakes are carnivores (meat-eaters). They mostly hunt at night (they are nocturnal) and can sense the heat of their potential prey. Rattlers kill prey with venom, which also contains digestive enzymes that begin to dissolve the meat even before the snake eats it. Like all snakes, they swallow prey whole, head first. The top and bottom jaws are attached to each other with stretchy ligaments, which let the snake swallow animals that are wider than the snake itself. Rattlesnakes eat rodents, lizards, and other small animals. Predators of the Rattlesnake: Eagles and people are predators of the rattlesnake

Sea Turtles Sea Turtles are large turtles that spend most of their lives in the seas. They live in shallow coastal waters of warm and temperate seas. There are many types of sea turtles, including the Loggerhead (Caretta caretta), the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), the Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), the Flatback (Natator depressa), and many others. All Sea Turtle species are considered endangered or threatened. Anatomy: These cold-blooded animals are strong swimmers and good divers. They have four flipper-like legs and a shell that is attached to their backbone. They cannot pull their head and legs into the shell. These turtles vary in color from shades of brown to green to black. Sea turtles vary in size from 2 to 6 feet (0.5 to 1.9 m) long, weighing 78 to 1900 pounds (35 to 870 kg). During active times, turtles must go to the sea's surface every few minutes in order to breathe air. Diet: Most sea turtles are carnivores (meat eaters), but the green turtle is an herbovore (a plant eater that eats sea grass and algae). Most sea turtles eat crustaceans (crabs,lobster, shrimp, and other shelled invertebrates), shellfish, jellyfish, Man-of-War, and small fish. Reproduction: Adult female Sea Turtles return to the beach where they were born to lay up to 200 soft-shelled eggs in the sand. When the baby turtles hatch, they immediately head for the nearby water. Many young turtles are eaten by birds and other predators during this difficult trip. It has been estimated that only 1% of these hatchlings will reach adulthood. No one knows how the females find the beach where they were born. Zebra Zebras are large, fast-running mammals that live on African grassy plains (savannas). They can run up to 40 mph (65 kph) in short bursts in order to escape from predators (like lions and hyenas). The zebra's life span is about 28 years. Zebras are closely related to horses and donkeys. Families and Herds: Zebras are very social animals and live in large, stable family groups which are led by females. Stallions (males) watch the rear of the group in order to help protect them from predators. Families will sometimes merge to form large herds. Anatomy: Zebra fur has distinctive white stripes on a black background. No two zebras have the same pattern. These stripes may help to confuse predators chasing the zebra, making them misjudge distances. Zebras have hoofed feet. They are over 4 feet (1.2 m) tall at the shoulder and weigh over 600 pounds (270 kg). They have a long, upright, bristly, black and white mane. Large eyes and ears help the zebra detect predators early, allowing it to run away. Diet: Zebras eat grasses; they are nomadic herbivores. They spend most of their time grazing. Zebras need to drink water often and usually stay close to a watering hole.

Yorkshire Terrier The Yorkshire Terrier is a small, intelligent, active dog that is a devoted companion. It has a long, silky coat; the coat is often so long that the legs and feet cannot be seen. This toy breed is also called the Broken-haired Scottish Terrier. The Yorkshire Terrier was originally bred in Yorkshire, England, in the 1800's, as a rat hunter. It was bred from the Skye, Dandie Dinmont, and Maltese Terriers. Anatomy: The Yorkshire Terrier is about 9 inches (23 cm) tall and weighs less than 7 pounds (3 kg). The long, silky coat is steely-blue, but tan on the face and chest; puppies are black at birth. Grooming is very important and must be done regularly. The tail is often docked.

Weasels Weasels are furry mammals that are excellent hunters. There are about 10 different species of weasels that live in forests, meadows, and grasslands. They can be found in North America, northern South America, Europe, Asia, and the extreme north of Africa. Weasels live about 10 years in captivity. Anatomy: Weasels have very short legs, a long snout, and a long, slender body. Some weasels have long tails, others have short tails. They range from 5 to 16 inches (13-41 cm) long, plus a tail up to 7 inches (18 cm) long. Males are about twice the size of females. Fur: Weasels have brown to yellow-brown fur with paler fur on the belly. The tip of the tail is often black. Many weasels grow white fur in the winter, but the tip of the tail remains black. When an animal chases the weasel, it will often chase the black tail tip and miss catching the weasel. Diet: Weasels are carnivores (meat-eaters). They eat small mammals (like mice, squirrels, rabbits, and hares), birds, insects, carrion (dead meat that they find), and berries. Predators: Weasels are preyed upon by owls and hawks. Classification: kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia (mammals), Order Carnivora, Family Mustelidae (weasels, ferrets, minks, otters, badgers), Genus Mustela. Yaks

Yaks are large, long-haired, horned mammals that live in mountainous Tibet. These sure-footed cattle were domesticated hundreds of years ago by people in Asia. Yaks can climb up to 20,000 feet (6,100 m) above sea level. Behavior: Female yaks and their young calves travel in herds of hundreds of animals. The herd protects the young from predators, like wolves. Anatomy: The yak measures from 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to1.8 m) tall at the shoulder and weighs from 400 to 1,800 pounds (180 to 820 kg). Males are larger than females. Both males and females have horns. Yaks have a massive, low-slung body, a huge hump on their shoulders, and hoofed feet. Yaks have very long fur, and during the winter, they also grow a short, thick fur undercoat which insulates them from the cold. They have a life span of about 20 years in captivity. Diet: Yaks are herbivores (plant-eaters) that graze on grasses, but also browse on the leaves of low-lying shrubs and herbs. Like cows (which they are related to), they swallow their food without chewing it. Later, they regurgitate the food (called a cud) and chew it. Yaks, like other ruminants, have a four-part stomach. Downy Woodpecker The Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) is a common, widespread woodpecker. It is found in woodlands, parks, and a variety of biomes throughout North America. Anatomy: The Downy Woodpecker is a small, black and white bird with a short bill. The male has a red spot on the back of its head. It is about 6 to 6.5 inches (15-16.5 cm) long. Diet: The Downy Woodpecker eats insects, seeds, grains, and suet. Pecking: Woodpeckers peck for many reasons including eating, establishing territory, attracting mates, and nesting. In order to find and eat insects that live in tree bark (including ants and beetles), woodpeckers peck into the bark with their beak, making small holes. Woodpeckers also make drumming sounds on wood, but this is to establish territories and attract mates in the Spring. A third use of pecking is to make a nest within a dead tree. Eggs and Nests: The Downy Woodpecker's nest is a hole in a tree that has been lined with wood chips. Females lay 3-6 white eggs in each clutch (a set of eggs laid at one time). The eggs hatch in just under 2 weeks. African Wild Cat African Wild Cats (Felis lybica) are small, fierce cats that live in forests, grasslands, and brush lands in Africa and the Middle East. African Wild Cats are generallynocturnal (most active at

night) in warm weather but are diurnal (most active during the day) during very cold weather. They are excellent climbers. African Wild Cats have a life span of 12-15 years. They are about 50 percent larger than domesticated (tame) cats. Anatomy: The African Wild Cat has powerful jaws and long, pointed canine teeth. It has sharp, retractable claws, big ears, a long tail, and a striped coat that ranges from yellowish gray to light tan, with a white throat and underbelly. The eyes have round pupils. These graceful cats are from 20 to 30 inches (50-75 cm) long (plus a tail that is half as long as the body). They weigh from 10 to 25 pounds (4.5-11 kg). Diet: African Wild Cats are carnivores (meat-eaters). These fast, solitary hunters eat small to medium-sized mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, invertebrates, and eggs.

Vulture Vultures are large, short-tailed, solitary birds of prey. They feed on carrion (dead animals). Vultures have a long life span compared to most other birds; they can live up to 30 years in captivity. Vultures are divided into two groups: Old World vultures (family Accipitridae, 15 species) and New World (American) vultures (the voiceless, hissing family Cathartidae, 6 species, including the California Condor and the Turkey Vulture). Flying: These raptors have broad, strong wings and are powerful flyers who have the slowest wingbeat of any bird, at 1 wingbeat per second. They can fly up to 43 mph (69 km/hour). The Ruppell's vulture is the highest flying bird; one hit a jet at an altitude of 37,000 feet (11,278 m) in 1973. Anatomy: The largest vultures (the Cinereous Vulture) are up to 3 feet (0.9 m) long with a wingspan of up to 9.5 feet (2.9 m); they weigh up to 18 pounds (8 kg). Vultures have hooked bills which they use to tear flesh. Males and females are similar in size and coloration. Most have dark plumage, a short neck, weak feet, and a naked (featherless or covered with only down) head and neck. Diet: The vulture is a scavenger; it eats dead or weakened animals. Vultures have strong gastric juices; some vultures can even digest bones. Some vultures locate their food using an acute sense of smell, others use keen eyesight. Eggs and Nests: The vulture's nest is a simple cavity, often located on a cliff or high in a tree. Females lay a very small number of eggs (usually one or two) in each clutch (a set of eggs laid at one time). Vulture eggs hatch after a long incubation period. If food is scarce after the eggs hatch, the larger chick may kill its smaller, weaker sibling.

Vampire Bat Desmodus rotundus Vampire Bats are small flying mammals. They give birth to live young and nourish them with milk. They are nocturnal; they are most active at night and sleep during the day hanging upsidedown. Vampire Bats live in Central and South America. Vampire Bats are microchiropterans, bats who use echolocation. Anatomy: Bats' wings are long fingers covered by thin skin, and they have furry bodies. These tailless mammals have weak legs and don't walk very well. Vampire Bats have a wingspan of only 8 inches (20 cm). The body is the size of a person's thumb. Senses/Diet: Vampire Bats can see, but use echolocation as their primary sense in order to find insects and small animals to eat. While flying, these bats send out high-pitched sounds that bounce off other objects. The bat listens for the bounced sound, and can determine where objects are located. People cannot hear these high-pitched sounds. The vampire bat is the only bat (and the only mammal) that eats blood, preying on cattle, horses, large birds and pigs. Vampire bats don't suck animals' blood, they make a small hole with their two very sharp incisor teeth and lap up the blood, which doesn't clot (thicken) because of anti-coagulants (antithickeners) in the bat's saliva. Sea Urchin The sea urchin is a spiny, hard-shelled animal that lives on the rocky seafloor, from shallow waters to great depths. These globular marine invertebrates move very slowly along the seabed. There are about 700 different species of sea urchins worldwide. Many sea urchins have venomous spines. The biggest sea urchin is the red sea urchin (Strongylocentratus franciscanus); it has a test about 7 inches (18 cm) in diameter. Adult Anatomy: Adult sea urchins have five-sided radial symmetry. Their skin has hard, chalky plates, and is called the test. Sea urchins have a globular body and long spines that radiate from the body. The spines are used for protection, for moving, and for trapping drifting algae to eat. Among the spines are five paired rows of tiny tube feet with suckers that help with locomotion, capturing food, and holding onto the seafloor. Tiny pedicellarines are small stinging structures that are used for defense and for obtaining food. Like all echinoderms, sea urchins do not have a brain. The mouth is claw-like and is located on the underside; it has 5 tooth-like plates that point inwards and are called Aristotle's lantern. The anus and the genital pores are on the top of the sea urchin. Diet: Sea urchins eat plant and animal matter, including kelp, decaying matter, algae, dead fish, sponges, mussels, and barnacles.

Predators of Sea Urchins: Sea urchins are eaten by crabs, sunflower stars, snails, sea otters, some birds, fish (including wolf eels), and people. Reproduction: Fertilization is external. Female Sea Urchins release several million tiny, jellycoated eggs at a time. Eggs or sperm are released through five gonopores. As they develop, the tiny larvae (called the pluteus, which have bi-lateral symmetry) swim in the sea and are a component of zooplankton. It takes several months for juvenile sea urchins to form. The time from fertilization to a reproductive adult is from 2 to 5 years. Classification: Kingdom Animalia (animals), Phylum Echinodermata (echinoderms), Class Echinoidea (Sea Urchins). Bluefin Tuna The Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is a large bony fish and is the largest tuna. The Bluefin Tuna lives for about 40 years. The Southern Bluefin Tuna is a species very similar to and closely related to the Bluefin Tuna. These two fish only differ internally. The Southern Bluefin lives in the Southern Hemisphere from about 30 to 50 Latitude South. They breed in the Indian Ocean near Indonesia. The Southern Bluefin Tuna has been overfished and is in danger of extinction. Anatomy: The Bluefin Tuna is dark blue to almost black above and light silver below. There is a yellow line from the snout along half of the body. This yellow line disappears after death. The tail is dark blue. It typically grows to be about 6 ft (2 m) long and weighs about 300 pounds (135 kg). The heaviest known are about 1,200 pounds (550 kg). The Bluefin Tuna is mature at about 8 years old, when it has reached a length of about 5 feet (1.5 m). Diet: Bluefin Tuna eat fish, including mackerel Red-Eyed Tree Frog Red-Eyed Tree Frogs are amphibians (animals that spend part of their lives under water and the remainder on land). These little frogs live in lowland tropical rainforests in Central America and northern South America. Red-Eyed Tree Frogs are nocturnal (most active at night); they rest on the undersides of large leaves during the day. Anatomy: Red-Eyed Tree Frogs are named for their large, bulging, red eyes. These bright eyes may serve to startle predators. The body is bright green and the sides are blue with pale yellow stripes. The feet are red/orange; the upper legs are blue. They have long, powerful jumping legs, suction cups on the toes, and a very short backbone. Females (about 3 inches long) are larger than males (about 2 inches long).

Life cycle: Red-eyed tree frogs spend their lives near water (usually rivers) because they must return to the water to lay their eggs. Adult males make a loud croaking sound to establish their territory and to attract females. Female Red-Eyed Tree Frogs lay eggs on the undersides of leaves (that are right above the water); the male fertilizes the eggs as they are deposited. When the eggs hatch into tiny brown tadpoles, they fall into the water below. The tadpoles breathe with gills and swim with a tail. As they mature, they lose their tail, they develop lungs (for breathing air), and they become brightly colored. Diet: The Red-Eyed Tree Frog is a meat-eater (carnivore). It eats mostly insects, catching them with its long, sticky tongue. It also eats other small invertebrates and sometimes will even other eat small frogs. Enemies: Some bats, snakes, and birds eat the Red-Eyed Tree Frog. Classification: Kingdom Animalia (animals), Phylum Chordata, Class Amphibia (amphibians), Order: Anura (Frogs and toads), Family Hylidae, Genus Agalychnis, SpeciesA. callidryas. Toads Toads are amphibians, animals that spend the early part of their lives under water (as eggs and tadpoles) and the remainder on land. These nocturnal animals hunt at night and spend the day sheltered in a cool spot. Toads spend less time in the water than frogs. Toads are found all over the world except polar environments and Australia. Anatomy: Toads have poison glands (called parotids) behind their eyes, a chubby body, and shorter legs than frogs. Toads have no teeth, and most toads have warty skin. The largest toads are over 8 inches (20 cm) long. Females are larger than males. Life cycle: Like all amphibians, toads must return to the water to lay their eggs. Toad eggs are laid in the water. When they hatch into tadpoles, they breathe with gills and swim using a tail. As they mature, they lose their tail, and they develop lungs for breathing air. Diet: Toads eat insects and other small animals, catching them with their long, sticky tongue.

Bengal Tiger The Bengal tiger is a large, striped cat from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Burma. It lives in a variety of habitats, including rainforests and dense grasslands. The Bengal tiger can live to about 18 years in captivity, and probably a few years less in the wild. Bengal tigers are mostly solitary, but sometimes travel in groups of 3 or 4. These tigers are in danger of

extinction due to over-hunting by poachers. Anatomy: Male Bengal tigers are up to 10 ft (3 m) long; females are up to 9 ft (2.7 m) long. The tail is about 3 feet (0.9 m) long. The fur is usually orange-brown with black stripes. The fur on the belly is white with black stripes. White Bengal tigers (with white fur and black stripes) are very rare in the wild. Tigers have long, sharp teeth in powerful jaws. Diet: The Bengal tiger is a carnivore (meat-eater). The tiger often kills its prey with a bite on the neck. It eats deer, pigs, antelopes, cattle, young elephants, and buffalo.

Common Thresher Shark The Common Thresher Shark (Alopias vulpinus) is a shark whose tail fin has a greatly elongated upper lobe. This shark is a very strong swimmer and can even leap out of the water. The Common Thresher Shark is not an aggressive shark, but it can be provoked. The thresher's large tail can injure divers. The Common Thresher Shark swims from the surface to a depth of about 1,150 feet (350 m). It lives in tropical and temperate waters, including the eastern and western Atlantic, the central Pacific, and the Indo-west Pacific. The Common Thresher is decreasing in numbers because of overfishing (it is hunted for meat and for its fins). Anatomy: The Common Thresher has a countershaded body, dark blue-gray above and white underneath. It has small jaws, but can use its tail to corral and even kill fish. The first dorsal fin is much, much bigger than the second; the pectoral fins are curved. Like other mackerel sharks, it has an anal fin, 5 gill slits, 2 dorsal fins, no fin spines, the mouth behind the eyes, and no nictitating eyelids. The Common Thresher shark ranges from 16.5 to 20 ft (5 to 6 m) long. Teeth and Diet: The Thresher eats squid and fish, corralling them with its elongated tail; it catches prey with its very sharp (but small) teeth. Classification: Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Chondrichthyes, Order Lamniformes, Family Alopias (Thresher sharks), Genus Alopias, Species vulpinus.

Sea Stars Sea stars (also known as starfish) are spiny, hard-skinned animals that live on the rocky sea floor. These invertebrates are NOT fish; they are echinoderms. Sea stars move very slowly along

the sea bed, using hundreds of tiny tube feet. There are over 2,000 different species of sea stars worldwide. Reproduction: Most species of starfish expel enormous numbers of eggs and sperm into the ocean; fertilization is external. After fertilization, the tiny, transparent, bilaterally-symmetrical larvae (baby sea stars) travel many miles as they are swept along by ocean currents for about two months. As they develop, the tiny larvae swim in the sea, eat phytoplankton, and are a component of zooplankton. Diet: Sea stars are carnivores (meat-eaters). They eat clams, oysters, coral, fish, and other animals. They push their stomach out through their mouth (located on the underside of the sea star) and digest the prey. Anatomy: Most sea stars have five arms (or a multiple of five) that radiate from a central disk. Sea stars do not have a brain; they have a simple ring of nerve cells that moves information around the body. Eyespots (primitive light sensors) are at the tip of each arm. If a sea star's arm is cut off, it will regenerate (regrow). Classification: Kingdom Animalia (animals), Phylum Echinodermata (echinoderms), Class Asteroidea (sea stars), about 2,000 species. Tarantulas Tarantulas are large hairy spiders that live in warm areas around the world, including South America, southern North America, southern Europe, Africa, southern Asia, and Australia. The greatest concentration of tarantulas is in South America. There are about 300 species of tarantulas. The biggest tarantula is Pseudotherathosa apophysis, which has a leg span of about 13 inches (33 cm). These arachnids have a very long life span; some species can live over 30 years. Habitat: Some tarantulas live in underground burrows; some live on the ground, and others live in trees. They live in rain forests, deserts, and other habitats. Diet: Tarantulas are carnivores (meat-eaters). They eat insects (like grasshoppers and beetles), other arachnids, small reptiles (like lizards and snakes), amphibians (likefrogs), and some even eat small birds. Tarantulas kill their prey using venomous fangs; they also inject a chemical into the prey that dissolves the flesh. Tarantulas can crush their prey using powerful mouthparts. No person has ever died of a tarantula bite. Anatomy: Tarantulas have a hairy two-part body and very strong jaws (with venomous fangs). They have eight hairy legs; each leg has 2 tiny claws at the end and a cushioning pad behind the claws. The hairs on the body and legs are sensitive to touch, temperature, and smell. Tarantulas have a hard exoskeleton and not an internal skeleton.

Golden Lion Tamarin The golden lion tamarin (also called the golden lion marmoset) is a small, squirrel-sized mammal with a lion-like mane. Tamarins live in small family groups. They are diurnal (most active during the day); at night, they rest in the cavity of a tree. The life span is about 15 years. They are in danger of extinction due to loss of habitat as their forest home is being cleared. Habitat and Distribution: These tamarins are arboreal (they live in trees). They live in coastal tropical rainforests in eastern Brazil, South America. Anatomy: Golden lion tamarins are covered with long, silky, gold-colored fur; the face, hands and feet are bare. Adult golden lion tamarins range from about 8 to 14 inches (20-36 cm) long plus a tail that is from 12 to 15 inches (31-40 cm) long. Unlike most other primates, they have claws (and not flat nails). Males and females are similar in appearance. Diet: The golden lion tamarin is an omnivore (eating both animals and plants); it eats insects, fruit, small snakes, lizards, snails, spiders, and vegetables. Tamarins use their claws to dig for insects in the bark of trees. Enemies: The golden lion tamarin is hunted by eagles, hawks, jaguars, jaguarundis, ocelots, and snakes. Classification:Kingdom Animalia (animals), Class Mammalia (mammals), Order Primates, Family Callitrichidae (marmosets, tamarins), Genus Leontopithecus, Species L. rosalia.

Squirrels Squirrels are common rodents that have hairy tails and strong hind legs. There are are over 200 different species of squirrels that live in a variety of habitats. There are three types: tree squirrels (with bushy tails), ground squirrels(with a non-bushy tail), and flying squirrels (who cannot really fly, but can glide up to 150 feet=46 m using a flap of skin). Tree squirrels are the squirrels that are common in cities. Many ground squirrel hibernate during cold winters, sleeping in a nest until warm weather arrives. Squirrels can live up to 15 years in captivity. Anatomy: Squirrels range in size from 5 to 36 inches (13-92 cm) long (including a long tail). The biggest squirrel is the Indian Giant Squirrel. Baby squirrels are born in nests; they are blind and hairless at birth. Diet: Squirrels are omnivores (they eat plants and meat). They eat seeds, nuts, leaves, bulbs, roots, mushrooms, insects, worms, eggs, small birds, and other small animals. Ground squirrels have pouches in their cheeks in which they carry food to their burrow to store. Predators: Squirrels are hunted by the weasel, fox, hawk, eagle, lynx, bear, and coyote.

Squid The Squid is an invertebrate (animal without a backbone) that swims in the oceans. This mollusk is closely related to the octopus. Squid can change the color of their skin to mimic their environment and hide from predators. Squid are soft-bodied cephalopods. They move by squirting water from the mantle through the siphon, using a type of jet propulsion. When in danger, squid squirt a cloud of dark ink in order to confuse their attacker and allow the squid to escape. Squid reproduce by releasing eggs into the water. Some squid eggs are free-floating, others are attached to seaweed or to the ocean floor. Anatomy: Squid range from 1 to 60 ft (0.3 to 18 m) long. The biggest squid is the Giant Squid (Architeuthis). Squid have a large mantle/head (with a large brain), eight arms with suckers, two longer feeding tentacles, a beak, a large head, two large eyes, and two hearts. Their large eyes are very similar in structure to people's eyes. They breathe using gills. Diet: Squid eat fish, crustaceans (like shrimp), and other squid. These fastmoving carnivores (meat-eaters) catch prey with their two feeding tentacles, then hold the prey with the eight arms and bite it into small pieces using a parrot-like beak. The esophagus runs through the brain, so the food must be in small pieces before swallowing. Predators: Many animals prey upon squid, including many sharks and other fish, some whales, squid, and people. Classification: Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Mollusca, Class Cephalopoda, Order Teuthoidea, Families Loliginidae, Sepiolidae, and Architeuthidae. Snowy Owl The snowy owl (Nyctea scandiaca) is a bird of prey that lives in the tundra of North America. This owl is diurnal (most active during the day). Anatomy: The snowy owl is 20 to 27 inches (50-68 cm) long and weighs 3.5 to 4.5 pounds (1.6 to 2 kg). The bill is black, the head is rounded, and the legs are heavily feathered. Snowy owls are almost all white with scattered dark spots. Males and females are similar, but the male is whiter. Eyes: Snowy owls have yellow eyes and very good vision. Owls cannot move their eyes within their sockets like we can. In order to look around, they have to move their entire head, which has a range of movement of about 270. Owls have a large head and large eyes that face forwards (unlike other birds, whose eyes are on the sides of their head). This eye placement gives them binocular vision and very precise depth perception. Also, there are circles of radiating feathers surrounding each eye, giving them a wide-eyed, alert look.

Diet: Snowy owls are carnivores (meat-eaters) who are stealth hunters; they can easily sneak up on their prey since their fluffy feathers give them almost silent flight. Snowy owls hunt and eat small rodents like lemmingsand voles. They also eat hares, rabbits, and large birds like ptarmigans, ducks, and geese. Reproduction: Females lay 5-8 white eggs in a clutch. The nest is lined with moss, lichens and feathers; it is located on the exposed tundra. Wild Skunks Skunks are the smelliest mammals. These small, nocturnal (most active at night) animals are found in South and Central America and much of North America (excluding the coldest regions). The Spray: Skunks produce a very smelly spray that repels most predators. This oily, yellow liquid is produced in two glands located under the tail. They can spray up to 10 ft (3 m) away. The smell is long-lasting and very hard to get rid of - tomato juice helps. Anatomy: Wild skunks are black and white, but the patterns vary. They all have a bushy tail, short legs, clawed feet, and a long snout. Domesticated skunks have a variety of coat colors and patterns. Diet: Skunks are omnivores; they eat insects, rodents, reptiles, small mammals, worms, eggs, fish, fruit, and plants. Classification: Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia (mammals), Order Carnivora, Family Mephitidae (skunks), Genus Mephitis

Silkworm Moth The Silkworm (Bombyx mori) is the caterpillar of a moth whose cocoon is used to make silk; it is not a worm at all. This insect is also called the silkworm-moth and the mulberry silkworm. It is native to Northern China. Silk: The silk from the silkworm's cocoon is a single, continuous thread. It is made of a protein that is secreted from two salivary glands in the caterpillar's head. TheChinese have harvested silk from silkworm cocoons for thousands of years. To harvest silk, the silkworm is allowed to spin its cocoon and it is then put in boiling water to kill the pupa and help unravel the thread. Each cocoon contains a single silk thread that is about 300 to 900 meters long. The silkworm has been domesticated to the point where it could no longer survive in the wild. The adult moth cannot eat or fly; it has a fat body and small wings.

Lifecycle: The tiny Silkworm larva hatches from a tiny black egg. The larva eats mulberry (Morus alba) leaves almost constantly for 4 to 6 weeks until it is 2 3/4 inches long. The white caterpillar molts its skin many times during this stage. The caterpillar then pupates; it spins a white silk cocoon around itself (in a process taking 3 or more days). The silk covers a hard brown-shelled pupa. In roughly three weeks, the adult moth emerges. This white moth cannot fly; it reproduces and dies within about five days (the female lays from 200 to 500 lemon-yellow eggs that eventually turn black). Classification: Class Insecta (insects), Order Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Suborder Ditrysia (Moths, Butterflies, Skippers), Superfamily Bombycoidea, Family Bombycidae, Genus Bombyx, Species B. mori. Shrimp Shrimp are small animals that live on the floor of oceans and lakes. There are over 2,000 different species of shrimp worldwide. Shrimp are invertebrates (animals lacking a backbone) that have a tough exoskeleton. Anatomy: Shrimp range from a small fraction of an inch to 9 inches (a few mm to 23 cm) long. These crustaceans have a thin, smooth, hard, and almost transparent exoskeleton. Shrimp vary widely in color; tropical varieties are often brightly colored. Shrimp have 5 pairs of jointed walking legs on the thorax, and they have 5 pairs of swimming legs (swimmerets) and 3 pairs of maxillae (feeding appendages) on the abdomen. The body, legs, swimmerets, and other appendages are segmented. Shrimp have two pairs of segmented sensory antennae, a tail fan, and compound eyes. Diet: Shrimp are omnivores; they eat plants and small animals. The unusual pistol shrimp kills or stuns its prey by making a very loud sound with a huge claw with a moveable, snapping appendage. Life Cycle: Female shrimp lay over a thousand eggs, which are attached to her swimming legs. The shrimp emerge as tiny, floating organisms, a component of zooplankton. After growing, they sink to the bottom, where they will live. As a shrimp grows, it often molts (losing its old shell and growing a new one). Predators: Shrimp are eaten by many animals, including many fish, many birds (including flamingos and loons), octopi, squid, cuttlefish, and people. Classification: Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Arthropoda, Class Crustacea (crustaceans), Subclass Malacostraca, Order Decapoda, Suborder Natantia. Harbor Seal

The Harbor Seal is a marine mammal that spends most of its life in the sea, but also enjoys sunbathing on rocks or on the beach. It is a pinniped (related to walruses and sea lions) that lives along shorelines in the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, in temperate, subarctic, and arctic waters. Seals have a life span of about 25 to 30 years. Anatomy: The Harbor Seal has short, thick fur, grows to be up to 6.5 feet (2 m) long and can weigh up to 375 pounds (170 kg). The whiskers (called vibrissae) help the seal's sense of touch. The nostrils are closed in the resting state. Diet: Harbor Seals are carnivores (meat-eaters); they eat mostly mollusks (like squid and clams), fish, and crustaceans. Seals don't chew their food. They swallow it in large chunks. They can crush the shells of crustaceans and mollusks with their flat back teeth. Predators: Harbor seals are hunted by killer whales (orcas), polar bears, sharks, Steller sea lions, walruses, eagles, and coyotes. Classification: Kingdom Animalia (animals), Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia (mammals), Order Carnivora, Superfamily Pinnipedia (pinnipeds), Family Phocidae, Subfamily Phocinae, Genus Phoca, Species P. vitulina. Seahorse Seahorses are a type of small fish that have armored plates all over their body (they don't have scales). There are about 50 different species of seahorses around the world. They live in seaweed beds in warm water and are very slow swimmers. Seahorses can change their color to camouflage (hide) themselves in order to hide from enemies. The most unusual seahorse is the Australian sea horse, which has leaf-like camouflage all over its body, making it almost disappear in the seaweed bed. Anatomy: Seahorses have a long, horse-like head (hence their name) and a curled tail. Seahorses range in size from under a centimeter long (Pygmy Seahorses) to about 1 foot (30 cm) long. Reproduction: The female seahorse produces eggs, but they are held inside the male's body until they hatch; he is pregnant for about 40 to 50 days. The sea horse is the only animal in which the father is pregnant. Classification: Kingdom: Animalia (animals), Phylum: Chordata, Class: Osteichthyes (bony fish), Order: Gasterosteiformes (armored, small-mouthed fish), Family: Syngnathidae (pipe fish), Genus: Hippocampus (meaning "horse sea monster" in Greek), and many species Scorpion

Scorpions are arachnids (and not insects); they are related to spiders and ticks. These ancient animals have been on Earth for over 400 million years (long before the time of the dinosaurs). There are over 1,500 species of scorpions worldwide (they live on every continent except Antarctica). Classification: Order Scorpiones. These venomous invertebrates live in almost every type of habitat, including deserts, rain forests, prairies, grasslands, forests, mountains, caves, ponds, and seashores. Most scorpions are nocturnal (most active at night), resting under rocks, in crevices, or in burrows during the day. Scorpions give birth to large litters of live young, who quickly climb onto the mother's back after birth; the mother cares for the young until they are able to hunt. Some scorpions live as long as 25 years. Diet: Scorpions are carnivores (meat-eaters) that paralyze their prey with a stinger located at the tip of the tail. They eat insects and small rodents. The sting of most scorpions is only irritating to people, but about 25 species of scorpions are capable of killing people (including Arizona's bark scorpion, Centruroides sculpturatus). Some scorpions can go for a year without food. Enemies: Shrews and other scorpions prey upon scorpions. Anatomy: All scorpions have eight legs; each leg has tiny claws. Scorpions have a hard exoskeleton and not an internal skeleton. The stinger at the end of the tail injects a paralyzing poison into the prey. Unlike other arachnids, scorpions have large, pincer-like pedipalps, appendages used to used to grab and subdue prey. Most scorpions are from 0.5 to 8.5 inches (1-21 cm) long. They range in color from black to brown to tan to red. Tiny sensory hairs protrude from the exoskelton; they detect touch, temperature changes, and other information. Comb-like sensors on the bottom of the body also give the scorpion information about the environment. Scallop Scallops are bivalves; they have two hard shells and a soft body. They are benthic animals; they spend most of their time on the sea bottom. Scallops mostly stay in underwater grass beds on a soft, shallow sea floor. Scallops use jet propulsion to move; they quickly open and close their shells, squirting the water out of the shells, moving in spurts. These invertebrate animals have a life span of about 1 1/2 years. Anatomy: The two hard shells (also called valves) are attached by a muscular hinge called the adductor muscle The Bay Scallop is about 3 inches (8 cm) in diameter; other scallops can reach 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. The shell is secreted by the mantle, which is a thin sheet of tissue located between the shell and the body. Scallops have many primitive eyes; they can only sense changed in light and motion, helping them to detect predators.

Diet: Scallops eat microscopic food, like algae and plankton that floats through the water. Predators of the Scallop:Many animals eat scallops, including sea stars, crabs, and people. Rockhopper Penguin The Rockhopper penguin, Eudyptes chrysocome, is a small, aggressive, crested penguin. These penguins are called "rockhoppers" because they jump from rock to rock. Although these flightless birds used to be hunted for their oil, they are now protected. They have a life span of over 10 years. Feathers: Penguins have shiny, waterproof feathers that help keep their skin dry. Each year, penguins molt, losing their old feathers and growing new ones. Anatomy: Rockhopper Penguins are up to 22 inches (55 cm) tall and weigh about 6 pounds (3 kg). They have a droopy, feathery crest (black and yellow), a bright orange-red bill, and bright red eyes. Males and females are very similar in appearance. Like all penguins, they have a big head, a short, thick neck, a streamlined shape, a short, wedge-shaped tail, and tiny, flipper-like wings. Their webbed feet are used for swimming. Penguins are countershaded; they have a lighter color on the belly and a darker color on their back; this coloration helps camouflage them when they are in the water, hiding them from predators. Habitat: All penguins live in the Southern Hemisphere (south of the equator). Rockhopper penguins live on sub-Antarcticislands . Diet: Rockhopper penguins are carnivores (meat-eaters) that catch their prey in the ocean. Their diet consists mostly ofcrustaceans and small fish. Predators: Rockhopper penguins are eaten by blue sharks, leopard seals and fur seals. Eggs and chicks are eaten by many birds, including skuas, petrels, and Dominican gulls. Reproduction: Rockhoppers breed from October to April (the warmest time in the Southern Hemisphere). They nest in large colonies in rocky coastal areas. The female usually lays two eggs, but only one is incubated. Both parents care for the Ring-tailed Lemur Lemur catta The Ring-tailed Lemur is a noisy mammal that lives in Madagascar, a large island off the southeast coast of Africa. The ring-tailed lemur spends most of the time on the ground but it is a good tree-climber (other lemurs spend most of their time in trees).

Lemurs live in troops (groups of lemurs) in many environments, including: rain forests, scrub (areas with low trees and shrubs), and rocky areas. The scientific name of the Ring-tailed Lemur is Lemur catta (Genus species). Lemurs are primates, mammals closely related to monkeys, apes, and people. Anatomy: The Ring-tailed Lemur has large eyes, a long snout, and a long, ringed tail. This lemur's body is 16 inches (40 cm) long plus a tail that is 2 feet (60 cm) long. It weighs about 6 - 8 pounds (3-3.5 kg). Diet: Ring-tailed Lemurs eat fruit, leaves, flowers, insects, and tree gum. Rhinoceros The rhinoceros (meaning "nose horn") is a large, fast moving mammal with thick skin and one or two nose horns. There are five different species of rhinos, including theWhite Rhino and Black Rhino (from Africa), the Asian One-horned Rhino (from Nepal and India), the Javan Rhino (from Indonesia) and the Sumatran Rhino (from Sumatra and southeast Asia). The only animals that can kill adult rhinos are people. Poachers sell rhino horns to use in folk medicine. Rhinos are in danger of extinction because of hunting and the loss of habitat. The Horns: The nose horn(s) are made from a hairlike substance that grows throughout the rhino's life. If the horn is broken off, it will grow back. They can grow from 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 8 cm) each year. The longest-known rhino horn was over 5 feet (1.5 m) long! Anatomy: Rhinoceros are from 3 1/2 feet to 6 1/2 (1 to 2 m) tall at the shoulder and weigh from 2,400 to 5,000 pounds (1000 to 2300 kg). Rhinos are perissodactyls, oddtoed ungulates (hoofed mammals), related to horses. Diet and Behavior: Rhinos are herbivores (plant-eaters) who graze on grass and other plant material. Reindeer The reindeer (also called the caribou) is a medium-sized member of the deer family. The genus and species of the reindeer areRangifer tarandus. Reindeer are strong runners and very good swimmers. This deer is found in Arctic tundra, forests, and mountains in Russia, Northern China, Canada, Alaska, and Scandinavia. Some reindeer migrate in huge herds from the coastal Arctic to the tundra. Reindeer have a life span of about 10 years in the wild. Domesticated Reindeer: Reindeer were domesticated in northern Eurasia roughly 2,000 years ago. Today, reindeer are herded by many European and Asian Arctic people.

Anatomy: The reindeer is about 4 feet (1.2 m) tall at the shoulder and is about 6 feet (1.8 m) long. Unlike most other types of deer, both bulls (males) and cows (females) have antlers. The antlers are shed each year and regrow. Reindeer have very wide hooves, a broad muzzle, and thick brown fur. The thick fur traps air, which insulates the reindeer from the cold and helps the reindeer float in water. Behavior: The reindeer is an herbivore (a plant-eater) who spends most of the day eating. During the winter, reindeer eat lichens and moss; in warmer months, they also eat leaves and herbs. African Elephant Loxodonta africana The African Elephant is the largest living land animal (larger than the Asian Elephant). These mammals have very strong social bonds and live in family groups headed by a female (called a cow). Males (calledbulls) occasionally join the group. Elephants are excellent swimmers. Elephants have few natural enemies except man, and they are in danger of extinction due to loss of habitat and poaching (they are killed for their ivory tusks). Anatomy: African elephants average about 10 feet (3 m) tall at the shoulder, weighing roughly 6 tons (5,400 kg). Males are larger than females. Both males and females have tusks (large, pointed ivory teeth). They have wrinkled, gray-brown skin that is almost hairless. Ears: African Elephants have large ears (up to 5 feet=1.5 m long) that are shaped like the continent of Africa. The ears not only hear well, but also help the elephant lose excess heat, as hot blood flows near the surface of the skin. Trunk: Elephants breathe through two nostrils at the end of their trunk, which is an extension of the nose. The trunk is also used to get water and food. To get water, the elephant sucks water into the trunk, then curls the trunk towards the mouth and squirts the water into it. The trunk has two prehensile (grasping) extensions at the tip, which it uses like a hand. Diet: Elephants eat roots, grasses, leaves, fruit, and bark. They use their tusks and trunk to get food. These herbivores spend most of their time eating. Bulls can eat up to 300-600 pounds (130-260 kg) of food each day. Classification: Kingdom Animalia (animals), Phylum Chordata (having a notochord), Class Mammalia (mammals), Subclass Eutheria (placental mammals), Order Proboscidae, Suborder Elephantoidea, Family Elephantidae (mammoths and modern elephants), Genera and species: Loxodonta Africana (African savanna elephants), Loxodonta cyclotis (African forest elephants, discovered to be a separate species in 2001).

Alligator

Alligators are large, meat-eating reptiles that spend a lot of their lives in the water. They mostly live in fresh to brackish water, in swamps, marshes, canals, and lakes. Alligators swim very well, mainly using their tails to propel themselves through the water, and also using their webbed feet. Anatomy: There are two types of alligators, the American alligator and the Chinese alligator. The American alligator grows up to 19 feet (3.5 m) long, weighing up to 600 pounds (270 kg). The Chinese alligator grows to be about 6 feet long (1.8 m). Diet and Teeth: Alligators are nocturnal and feed primarily at night. Adult gators eat fish, birds, turtles, reptiles, and mammals. They swallow their prey whole. The alligator's conical teeth are used for catching the prey, but do not tear it apart. Alligators have about 80 teeth; when teeth are lost they regrow. Antelopes Order Artiodactlya Antelopes are hoofed animals with hollow horns. They live on grasslands, brush lands, and forests in Africa and parts of Asia (no true antelope is native to the Americas). Some antelopes include the gazelle, eland, impala, springbok, klipspringer, oryx, saiga, waterbuck, suni, hartebeests, topi, nyala, bongo, dik-dik, kob, duiker, gemsbok, etc. They are hunted by lions,leopards, wild dogs, and other predators. Locomotion: These swift runners can also jump very well. In addition, they can bounce with all four legs held in a stiff position; this is called pronking. In this springing motion, all four feet leave the ground and land at the same time. Horns: The antelope's hollow horns vary from very short to very long. Some are straight and some are gently curved. Like all horns, they are not shed, but continue to grow throughout the antelope's life. In many species of antelope the females also have horns, but they are smaller than the male's horns. Anatomy: There are many types of antelopes, differing in size, color, shape, etc. These graceful mammals range in size from the rabbit-sized royal antelope to the huge, ox-sized eland. Antelopes have large eyes and ears; they use their keen sense of sight, hearing and smell to detect predators (like hyenas and jackals). Diet: Antelopes are herbivores (plant-eaters) and ruminants with a four-part stomach. They swallow food whole, not chewing it initially. Later, they regurgitate a cud (a mouthful of partlydigested food) and chew it thoroughly. They eat desert shrubs, acacias, young shoots, and grasses. Antelopes spend most of their time grazing on grass or browsing (eating leaves and twigs).

Classification: Class Mammalia, Order Artiodactyla, Family Bovidae (antelopes, bison, buffalo, cattle, goats, and sheep). Arctic Fox The Arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) is a furry mammal that lives in the far north, in the tundra and coastal areas of North America, Iceland, Greenland, Scandinavia, and Siberia. The Arctic fox is found farther north than any other land mammal (polar bears are partly aquatic). A male fox is called a reynard, the female is called a vixen, and the baby is called a kit. A group of foxes is called a skulk or a leash. Anatomy: The fur of the Arctic fox is white during the winter and gray-brown in the summer. There is also a blue morph (a coastal subspecies of Arctic fox that is bluish in the winter and chocolate brown in the summer). This is effective camouflage for the fox. This mammal is about 20 inches (50 cm) long plus a tail 12 inches (30 cm) long. The long, bushy tail, sometimes called a sweep, helps the fox change direction quickly and keeps the fox's feet and nose warm when it curls up to sleep. Foxes have sharp, curved claws, sharp teeth, and thick, insulating fur. The relatively small size of the Arctic fox's ears mimimizes heat loss. Diet: Arctic foxes are carnivores (meat-eaters) who hunt alone. Foxes eat small mammals (like lemmings and voles), eggs, birds, insects, fish, and carrion (carcasses of animals that they find). This fox sometimes follows a polar bear in order to feed on the remains of its kills. Baboon The Baboon is the largest type of monkey. It is a noisy, ferocious, ground-dwelling Old World monkey that lives in groups called troops. Troops vary in size from a few individuals to up to several hundred members. Distribution and Range: Baboons live in savannas, open woods, grasslands, rocky areas, and dry lands, in Africa and on the Arabian Peninsula. These intelligent primates are endangered due to loss of habitat. Anatomy: Baboons have a large, muscular body with gray to brown fur. The face and buttocks are hairless and sometimes brightly colored. The female has duller colors than the male. The largest species of baboons grow to be about 35 inches (90 cm) long. Baboons weigh from 30 to 100 pounds (14 to 45 kg). Males are larger than females and have large, pointed canine teeth. Baboons have cheek pouches and a dog-like face. Diet: Baboons are omnivores (they eat both plants and meat). They eat grasses, roots, insects and other small animals, including lizards, small mammals, and snakes.

Predators: Leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, and people hunt the baboon. When a baboon is threatened by a predator, it will run away or bark loudly and bare its large teeth. Classification: There are many different species of baboons. Class Mammalia (mammals), Order Primates, Family Cecropithecidae (Old World monkeys), Subfamily Cercopithecinae (baboons, macaques, guenons, and mangabeys), two genera [Papio, Theropithecus]. Bactrian Camel The Bactrian Camel, Camelus bactrianus, is a two-humped camel that lives in the rocky Gobi desert and the grasslands (steppes) of Asia; these habitats get both very hot and very cold. Bactrian camels have a life span of about 40 years. These hardy mammals are an endangered species. The Hump: The Bactrian Camel's two humps contains fat (and NOT water). The camel can go without food and water for 3 to 4 days. It is well adapted to desert life. Anatomy: Camels are very strong mammals with wide, padded feet. Thick leathery pads protect the knees and chest. Camels have nostrils that can open and close, protecting them from blowing sand. The ears are also lined with protective hairs. Bushy eyebrows and two rows of long eyelashes protect their eyes from sand. The mouth is extremely tough, allowing camels to eat thorny desert plants. Thick fur and underwool keep the camel warm during cold desert nights and also insulates against daytime heat. Bactrian Camels are over 7 feet (2 m) tall at the hump and weigh in excess of 1,600 pounds (725 kg). Diet: Camels are herbivores (plant-eaters); they eat grass, leaves, and grains. Many camels have been domesticated and are fed by people. The Bactrian Camel can drink up to 32 gallons (120 liters) of water at a time. Classification: Subclass Eutheria (Placental mammals), Order Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates), Suborder Tylopoda, Family Camelidae, Genus Camelus, Species C. bactrianus.

Bilby or Rabbit-Eared Bandicoot The bilby (also known as the rabbit-eared bandicoot) is a rabbit-like marsupial. It lives in deserts, dry forests, dry grasslands, and dry shrubby areas in Australia. The bilby's pouch faces backwards. These big-eared, burrowing mammals are in danger of extinction. The bilby, like all bandicoots, is a nocturnal animal (most active at night). Digging with its strong, clawed feet, this solitary mammal excavates long, complex burrows. Its underground dens are up to 5 feet (1.5 m) long.

Anatomy: The bilby is about 15 inches (38 cm) long with an 8 inch (20 cm) tail. Its sense of hearing and smell are excellent but its vision is poor. Diet: The bilby is an omnivore (eating plants and animals). It eats insects (like termites), lizards, mice, worms, snails, fruit, seeds, and some plants. The bilby needs very little water; it gets the water it needs from its food. It obtains food mostly at dawn and at dusk. Predators: The bilby is hunted by foxes and feral cats (cats that have reverted to the wild). The bilby retreats into its burrow for protection.

American Black Bear Ursus americanus American Black Bears are large, mostly harmless bears that live mostly in forests, but also in swamps and desert scrub. These solitary mammals are found across North America. Anatomy: American Black Bears are up to 6 feet (1.8 m) long and weigh up to 300 pounds (135 kg). Their long, thick fur ranges in color from black to brown. Like all bears, they are plantigrade (flat-footed). The front claws are longer than the rear claws. Behavior: Black Bears are good swimmers and can also climb trees. They have a good sense of smell but have poor eyesight. They are afraid of Grizzly Bears and stay far away from them. Cubs: Two to three cubs are born during the winter while the mother hibernates. Cubs stay with the mother for about one year. Diet: American Black Bears are omnivores who eat plants, leaves, fruits, berries, nuts, roots, honey, insects, and other small mammals. Classification: Class Mammalia, Order Carnivora, Family Ursidae (bears), Genus Ursus, species americanus. Brown Bear Ursus arctos Brown bears are large mammals that live in cool mountain forests, meadows, and river valleys. These solitary bears can run up to 35 mph (56 kph) for short bursts. Widespread in the Northern Hemisphere, brown bears are found in North America, Europe, and Asia. Grizzly bears are a type of large brown bear found in the interior of North America.

Although they sleep in dens (caves, hollow logs, or holes they dig) during the winter, they are not true hibernators and can be easily awakened. Brown bears have a life span of about 25 years in the wild. Anatomy: Brown bears are up to 7 feet (2.1 m) long and weigh up to 1,500 pounds (680 kg). Females are about 1/2 to 2/3 the size of males. Their thick fur ranges in color from black to brown to reddish brown to blond. They have dense fur close to the skin and long, coarse guard hairs. They have a big head, a long muzzle, and a large hump on their shoulder ( the hump is a mass of muscles that give the front legs extra strength). Like all bears, they are plantigrade (flatfooted). The front claws are up to 4.75 inches (12 cm), almost twice as long as the rear claws. Newborns weigh only about 1 pound (0.45 kg), the size of a rat. Diet: Brown bears are omnivores who eat plants, roots, berries, fungi, fish, small mammals, and large insects. Classification: Class Mammalia, Order Carnivora, Family Ursidae (bears), Genus Ursus, species arctos (grizzly bear and brown bear).

Clown Fish or Clown Anemonefish

Clown fish (also called the Clown Anemonefish) are small fish that live among anemone (fisheating animals that look like undersea flowers and have hundreds of poisonous tentacles). The anemone's tentacles kill other fish that touch them, but the Clown fish seems to be immune to its poison. Scientists think that the Clown fish may be coated with a mucous that protects it from the poison. The anemone protects the Clown fish from most predators, who know not to go near the anemone's tentacles. The clown fish helps the anemone by cleaning it (as it eats detritus) and perhaps by scaring away predators of the anemone. Anatomy: This brightly-colored fish is orange with three white vertical stripes; the rounded fins have black margins. The Clown fish grows to be about 2 to 5 inches (5 to 13 cm) long. Habitat and Distribution: The Clown fish lives on the sea floor amid anemone tentacles. It inhabits the warm waters of the tropical Pacific Ocean, the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Diet: This fish eat the anemone's leftovers. It waits until the anemone paralyzes and eats a fish, then helps itself to bits that the anemone leaves uneaten. It also eats dead anemone tentacles and plankton. Cockatoos

Cockatoos are crested birds from rainforests, dry regions, and fields of Indonesia and Australia. There are many different species of cockatoos. Cockatoos are long-lived birds. Many species of cockatoo are endangered because of loss of habitat, being shot as agricultural pests, and the sale of the young as pets. Anatomy: The Cockatoo averages about 12 to 15 inches (31-38 cm) long. These parrots range in color from white, pink, yellow, gray, and black; they all have a large, feathery head crest, and a curved bill. Males sometimes have darker feathers or eyes than females; otherwise, males and females are hard to distinguish. Reproduction: There are only a few eggs in each clutch (a set of eggs laid in one nesting period). The eggs are laid in a hollow tree cavity. Both parents incubate the eggs for close to a month, and both parents feed the chicks. Diet: Cockatoos eat seeds of grasses, berries, and nuts. Classification: Order Psittaciformes, Family Cacatuidae, Genus Cacatua. Crane Cranes are large birds that live in wetlands. They use their long legs to wade in shallow water, and use their long neck and sharp bill to kill small animals and obtain some tender plant roots. In order to fly, cranes must get a running start (usually facing the wind). Cranes migrate seasonally; some species fly long distances in order to breed in a cold area and eat in warm area. When cranes migrate, they fly in a "V" formation. Distribution: Cranes are found in Africa, Asia, Australian, Europe, and North America (there are no cranes in South America). Symbolism: Cranes have been a symbol of peace, purity, wisdom, fidelity, prosperity, and longevity for thousands of years. Anatomy: Cranes have a long neck, long legs, long, rounded wings, a long, pointed bill, and a streamlined body. Some cranes have a feathery head crest. Males and females have similar plumage, but the males are larger. The tallest crane is the Sarus Crane (up to 5 3/4 feet = 1.75 m tall); the smallest is the Demoiselle Crane. The heaviest crane is the Red-crowned Crane (weighing up to 24 pounds or 11 kg). Diet: Cranes are omnivores (they eat animals and plants); their diet includes small animals (like insects, small fish, small birds, and small reptiles) and some plant material (like berries and tuber). Reproduction: Most cranes mate for life. Crane eggs vary in color from white to light blue (it differs with the species). Most chicks are brown.

Lions Lions are large cats that live on grassy plains (savannas) in Africa and a some grasslands of India. These golden-colored felines grow to be up to 6 feet (1.8 m) long and weigh up to 420 pounds (190 kg). Lions live for about 15 years in the wild. The scientific name for lions is Panthera leo. Lions live in permanent groups, called "prides." These prides have up to 25 lions in them. The home territory of a pride can cover 100 square miles (260 square km). The females do most of the hunting, often hunting in groups. Lions are nocturnal (more active at night). Lions hunt antelopes, zebra, wildebeest, warthogs, and other large, herding animals. Kangaroo The Kangaroo is a common marsupial from the islands of Australia and New Guinea. There are 47 species of "roos." Kangaroos can hop up to 40 miles per hour (74 kph) and go over 30 feet (9 m) in one hop. When standing, roos often use their muscular tail as a extra leg. These shy animals live about 6 years in the wild and up to 20 in captivity. Most roos are nocturnal (active at night). Many roos are in danger of extinction, but they are also considered pests due to the way they damage crops. An adult male is called a buck, boomer or jack; an adult female is called a doe, flyer, roo, or jill. A baby is called a joey. A group of roos is called a mob. Anatomy: Roos and wallabies range in size from 2 pounds (the Rock Wallaby) up to 6 ft and 300 pounds (the Red Kangaroo). The soft, woolly fur can be blue, grey, red, black, yellow or brown, depending on the species. Females have a pouch in which the young live and drink milk. Diet: These herbivores (plant-eaters) eat grass, leaves, and roots. They swallow their food without chewing it and later regurgitate a cud and chew it. Roos need little water; they can go for months without drinking, and they dig their own water wells. Classification: Kingdom Animalia - animals Phylum Chordata - chordates Class Mammalia - mammals Infraclass Marsupialia - marsupials (pouched mammals) Order Diprotodontia - kangaroos, wallabies, possums, koala, wombats, and relatives Family Macropodidae - kangaroos, wallabies, and relatives Genus Macropus - kangaroos, wallaroos and many species of wallaby. Koala

The Koala is a small marsupial (pouched mammal) that lives in Australia. Koalas are arboreal, they spend most of their time in eucalyptus (gum) trees. These nocturnal (most active at night) animals spend 18 to 20 hours each day resting and sleeping; they spend much of the night eating. They are aggressive animals who live in woodlands. Koalas are not bears; their closest relative is the wombat. The genus and species of the koala is Phascolarctos cinereus. Anatomy: The koala is up to 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) long, weighing 10-30 pounds (4.5-13.5 kg). The soft, woolly fur is light-gray to brown, and it has patches of white on the chest, neck. and ears. This fur protects them from cold weather and rain. Koalas have rough pads on their feet and hands which are used for gripping the trees they live in. The koala's brain is very small. Like other young marsupials, baby koalas (called joeys) live in their mother's backwards-facing pouch for months. The koala is one of the few animals that has fingerprints (other animals with fingerprints include many primates and fishers) Diet: These herbivores (plant-eaters) eat mostly eucalyptus (gum tree), chewing these tough leaves using their powerful jaws. They store unchewed food in cheek pouches. Koalas have a keen sense of smell which they use to make sure the type of gum leaves are edible and not poisonous. Dingo The Dingo is a wild dog that inhabits the dry plains and forests of Australia. Scientists are not sure of their origins; they may be the descendants of domesticated dogs brought to Australia over 3,500 years ago. Some Dingos are trained by Aboriginal Australian people as hunting dogs. They also used to be used as living blankets; a cold night was called a "three-dog night." Anatomy: Dingos are a medium-sized dog. Most Dingos have short, yellowish-tan fur, but it can vary from black to cream colored. It has large ears, sharp eyes, and a keen sense of smell. Adults are about 3 ft (90 cm) long. These dogs don't bark but they sometimes howl. Hunting and Diet: These wild dogs hunt alone or in small packs. They are nocturnal (most active at night). These carnivores (meat-eaters) eat rats, kangaroos, birds, rabbits, lizards, and some farm animals. They swallow meat in large chunks.