…their closest living relatives are elephants, manatees, and dugongs! And like elephants, they even have tusks. Although the rock hyrax’s tusks are much smaller and looks more like fangs. 🐘
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although all three animals pictured here have quills, they are not related species. Pictured in order uploaded: #NorthAmericanPorcupine #Echidna #Hedgehog

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…it is believed that the forked tongue allows them to discern if the scent was strongest on the left or the right. Giving them a directional sense of smell!
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…gather particles that they bring to the roof of their mouth and onto the Jacobson’s organ. This is an organ that has receptor cells (like what we have for our sniffer) that allow them to smell the particles that are gathered by the tongue. #FunFact…
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scientists believe 2-AP forms due to a chemical reaction between binturong urine and bacteria/microorganisms present on the animal’s skin, fur and gut - no heat needed. Just all natural awesomeness.
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2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, or 2-AP. In popcorn & cooked rice, 2-AP forms when sugars and amino acids interact in the high heat of the cooking/popping process. In the case of the binturong…
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…as much as 300 pounds at their heaviest. Sadly, they do not spit fire, or have a plasma blast like Toothless… well, maybe that’s a good thing.
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…complete ball. And get this, their tail and the top of their head, come together like perfect puzzle pieces.
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Just feathers on the head that help the owl blend into the environment. Fun fact: Feather positioning on the head can also act as visual communication between owls, fluffed up or pinned back can all convey different meanings.
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all that chomping, grabbing and tearing also results in teeth breaking and falling out. Thankfully alligators are constantly growing replacement teeth. In fact, in their life time, an alligator can go through 2000 to 3000 teeth!
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…the continuous daylight of the Arctic summer (I do imagine they take breaks, but still☀️). When winter arrives snowy owls move south, but they aren’t considered migratory due to their various seasonal locations and inconsistent movement across the seasonal changes.
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…full body, making them hard to detect. This is important because a successful predator needs to be able to see their prey while also remaining well hidden.
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…their mass above water. Specifically we see their eyes and nostrils just above the surface. This is an awesome adaptation for them to be able to breathe and see above water without exposing their…
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