Wonders of Nature

Wonders of Nature

Introduction The world is full of strange and interesting animals. Some animals look unusual or have special abilities. Let's look at some of these wonders of nature.

Archerfish Archerfish spit drops of water at insects and spiders to knock them off leaves and branches near the water. Archerfish have very good aim and can squirt water over long distances. When the bugs fall into the water, the archerfish eat them. Archerfish may also leap all the way out of the water to catch bugs.

Trap-Door Spider A trap-door spider lives in a sticky underground tunnel with a hidden door made of silk and dirt. The silk in the door helps keep water out of the spider's tunnel when it rains. When an insect passes close to the door, the trap-door spider senses its movements and jumps out to grab it.

Beaver Beavers chew through tree trunks with their sharp teeth. They build large dams in rivers and streams using the tree trunks, branches, mud, clay, and stones. Beavers build their homes, which are called lodges, in the ponds formed by the dams. By creating ponds, beavers change the landscapes of the areas they live in. The wetlands that beavers create with their dams become home to many other animals.

Chameleon Chameleons are lizards that can change color to hide. When the air gets warmer or colder, their skin changes color. They even change color to show how they feel. Chameleons catch insects with their long tongues, which can be twice as long as their bodies. Chameleons can point each of their eyes in a different direction at the same time to help them see all around them. When they spot an insect they want to eat, chameleons focus both of their eyes forward to help them aim their tongues.