Discover 10 fascinating and sometimes gross facts about animals. Scientists studying animals are always amazed by what they find. Each research reveals unique survival tactics, incredible physical abilities, or surprising mental skills possessed by animals.

In 2024, these stories enhanced our knowledge of the animal kingdom and its extraordinary quirks, including chimps using self-medication and the intriguing world of snake clitorises. Explore the wondrous weirdness of the animal world with 10 exciting animal discoveries in 2024.

1. Chimpanzees care for each other’s injuries

Scientists recorded chimpanzees using crushed bugs on their skin wounds and those of their community members. The researchers believe that the chimps might be attempting to heal each other, though they are unsure about the specific insects being used.

It’s hypothesized that these bugs could function as antibiotics, antivirals, pain relievers, or inflammation reducers.

2. Scientists have discovered the clitoris in snakes

Recently, scientists provided the first-ever description of the structure of the snake clitoris. This forked organ, referred to as a “hemiclitoris,” is present in at least nine snake species.

While the male snake’s reproductive organ, the “hemipenis,” had been studied before, there was no previous documentation of a corresponding structure in female snakes.

This lack of information led some scientists to suggest that the hemiclitoris might either be a stunted evolutionary remnant or not exist at all.

3. Bees might influence the weather

A recent study revealed that swarming honeybees can generate as much atmospheric electricity as a thunderstorm.

The density of the bee cloud directly influences the size of the electrical field it produces. While it’s improbable that the bees are causing lightning storms, researchers believe their presence can impact the weather in other ways.

4. Octopus mother undergoes self-destruction

As octopus moms approach the hatching of their egg clutches, many exhibit a surprising behavior. Instead of caring for their soon-to-be-born offspring, they tend to abandon them and engage in self-destructive actions, sometimes even consuming their own flesh.

Scientists have recently uncovered the physiological changes in an octopus mom’s body that seem to trigger this frenzy of self-destruction.

5. Do dolphins drink each other’s urine?

A recent study suggests that bottlenose dolphins engage in taste-testing of their peers’ urine to distinguish one dolphin from another.

Dolphins not only recognize each other through taste but also by learning and identifying unique signature whistles. By combining their sense of taste and hearing, these marine mammals can swiftly identify familiar companions and detect unfamiliar dolphins in their surroundings.

6. Rapid Evolution of Frogs in Chernobyl

A recent study suggests that Eastern tree frogs with higher concentrations of the dark pigment melanin in their skin had a better chance of survival during the Chernobyl nuclear disaster compared to their bright yellow counterparts.

The dark skin of these frogs may have provided protection against the harmful effects of radiation. Interestingly, even today, frog populations within the radioactive contamination zone are notably darker than those outside the zone.

7. Burmese pythons possess incredibly flexible jaws

Burmese pythons possess an impressive ability to open their jaws widely, facilitated by an elastic piece of connective tissue extending from the snake’s braincase to its lower jaw.

In a recent study, researchers discovered that a 130-pound (59-kilogram) python, measuring 14 feet (4.3 meters) in length, could accommodate an entire 5-gallon bucket in its mouth.

The scientists estimate that larger pythons might be able to engulf objects with diameters more than three times larger.

8. Crows grasp recursive patterns

Scientists discovered that crows possess the cognitive ability of recursion, which involves distinguishing paired elements within larger sequences. In tests assessing this skill, trained crows demonstrated better performance compared to monkeys and performed at a level similar to human toddlers.

This finding suggests that the capacity to recognize recursive sequences, typically associated with language, might have initially evolved for different purposes.

9. Spring-loaded spiders

Following mating, a male orb-weaving spider employs a unique strategy to avoid being consumed by the female. He propels his body into the air, escaping the potential threat.

A recent study unveiled the mechanics behind the spring-loaded mechanism in the males’ legs, enabling them to rapidly spring upwards at speeds reaching 2.9 feet per second (88 centimeters per second).

10. Small-brained worms exhibit complex decision-making abilities

Surprisingly, worms with only 300 brain cells exhibit complex decision-making abilities, as revealed by a recent study. The species in question, Pristionchus pacificus, is a predatory worm measuring around 1 millimeter in length.

It competes with the similarly-sized Caenorhabditis elegans for food but resorts to consuming C. elegans when resources are scarce.

The study indicates that these worms consider various factors when deciding whether to eat C. elegans or just give it a nonlethal nibble as a form of intimidation.