51 Amazing Animal Facts - mental_floss on YouTube - List Show (301)

TL;DR

Bats make up a quarter of the mammal population, foxes were kept as pets before dogs, and zebras can change color.

Transcript

Hi, I’m John Green. Welcome to my salon. This is Mental Floss on YouTube and yes, I do know that I need a haircut. But did YOU know that bats account for one-quarter of the mammal population in the world? There are 1,100 different bat species. Well that’s the first of many astounding facts about animals I’m going to share with you today! Archeologi... Read More

Key Insights

• 🐶 The Middle East had pet foxes before dogs were domesticated.
• 😃 Reindeers' eye colors change based on the seasons.
• 🍸 Prosthetic tails can be created for animals such as alligators.
• ❓ Lemur communities are predominantly matriarchal societies.
• 🦻 Moose antlers are highly sensitive and aid in hearing capabilities.
• 🍟 Zebras were named after the French president Jules Grévy.
• 😒 English uses multiple names for cougars, including mountain lion, catamount, puma, and panther.
• 🖐️ Beluga whales were observed enjoying music played by artists underwater.

Questions & Answers

Q: Can a jellyfish sting you even if it's dead?

Yes, a jellyfish can still sting you after it's dead because certain cells in its tentacles can release venom even when separated from the body.

Q: Do alligators have the ability to regrow a lost tail?

No, alligators have limited regenerative properties. In 2013, scientists created a prosthetic tail for an alligator who had lost its tail.

Q: Are lemurs usually governed by a matriarchal society?

Yes, in most lemur communities, females hold the dominant position and play a crucial role in decision-making and social structures.

Q: Do moose have highly sensitive antlers?

Yes, moose have exceptionally sensitive antlers, which can detect even the slightest touch, such as a fly landing on them. Some studies suggest that antlers may improve hearing capabilities in male red deer.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• There are 1,100 different bat species, accounting for one-quarter of the mammal population worldwide.

• Archeologists discovered a man's grave in Jordan with a pet fox buried 16,500 years ago, suggesting foxes were kept as pets before dogs.

• Reindeers' eyes change color throughout the seasons, turning gold in the summer and blue in the winter.