STRANGE ANIMAL CHARACTERISTICS – Here are some of the top unusual and weird animal behaviors that most of us probably didn’t know.
An animal is a living organism that is part of the biological kingdom Animalia made up of multiple cells organized into tissues and organs. They were are heterotrophic, meaning they cannot produce their own food through photosynthesis like plants.
Animals obtain nutrients by consuming other organisms or organic matter. Unlike plant cells, their cells do not have rigid cell walls. Instead, animal cells are typically enclosed by flexible cell membranes.
Most animals have the ability to move, at least during some stage of their life cycle. Their movement can range from simple forms like swimming and crawling to more complex behaviors like flying and running.
They possess various sensory organs, such as eyes, ears, noses, and taste buds, that enable them to perceive and interact with their environment.
While many animals exhibit typical instincts and actions, there are those who stand out by displaying truly unusual and weird behaviors that leave us amused.
Here are some weird animal behaviors:
Zombie Ant Fungus Manipulation
When an ant becomes infected, the fungus compels it to leave its colony and attach itself to a leaf or twig. The ant eventually dies, and the fungus erupts from its body.
Synchronized Firefly Light Show
Fireflies in Southeast Asia and the Great Smoky Mountains in the United States engage in a mesmerizing light show. They synchronize their flashes to attract mates.
Pigeons Gamble
These birds bet in a manner that is quite similar to that of humans. Researchers developed an equipment similar to human slot machines and had the pigeons peck at different keys to receive varied amounts of food pellets in a study published in The Proceedings of the Royal Society B by Thomas R. Zentall and Jessica Stagner.
Self-Defense Mechanism of the Horned Lizard
When threatened, it can shoot blood from its eyes at predators, which may contain harmful chemicals.
Cleaner Fish and its Risky Profession
Cleaner fish offer a unique service to larger predatory fish. They pick parasites and dead skin off the larger fish, helping to keep them healthy.