More than 400 million years ago, the first sharks ventured through the dangerous seas of the Silurian age. Diminutive and seemingly insignificant, these fragile new species would pave the road for an astounding lineage, one that would eventually dominate the seas and supplant the fearsome predators that could not demonstrate the same great resilience in [...]

Shamans desired to become like it and adopt its strength and speed, turning the humans into fierce hunters. The people of the Amazon saw in its shiny, reflective eyes proof that it was connected with supernatural forces. The ancient Mayans believed its striking, spotted coat represented the night sky. It was even seen as a [...]

Madagascar possesses what is possibly one of the most amazing modern ecosystems known to science. It contains a wide variety of unique and exotic animals, many of which are found only in this large island off the southeastern coast of Africa. This isolation from the rest of the world has allowed many of its inhabitants [...]

Few animals have captured the hearts of people throughout history such as the giant panda. Clumsy and plump in its design while sporting an attractive coloration, the panda is considered one of the most loveable of all animals. It is also one of the more unique bear species, as it thrives on a primarily herbivorous [...]

We live in a fascinating world teeming with beauty and diverse life. There are organisms of many varieties surviving in a wide range of environments throughout this planet, each one designed to carry out its purpose and fulfill its role in the ecosystem. As the most intelligent and advanced of all creatures, man is capable [...]

Though Africa is known for its varied collection of extraordinary predators, few animals are as extreme as the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Possessing a beautiful, slender design and acceleration abilities rivaling the fastest of automobiles, the cheetah is both striking in its appearance and lethality. As the fastest of all land mammals, the cheetah is a [...]