Happy Wednesday!
Need a quick brain break? Check out the live animal cams at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, featuring jelly fish, penguins, sharks, sea otters, and more!
Here’s what we’ve got this week:
TRIVIA
Animals in Space? 🚀
(Explanation at the end!)
ANIMAL FOCUS
Red Pandas ❤️🐼
Red pandas are in their own special family! They aren’t closely related to giant pandas, raccoons, or bears.
(Fun fact: Red pandas are the original pandas because they were discovered before giant pandas!) 🐼
Their tails work like blankets! Their long, fluffy tails help with balance, but they also wrap them around themselves to stay warm. 🧥
They can climb down trees head-first (something cats can’t do!)! Red pandas have special ankles that twist, giving them extra grip and control when climbing. 🌴
They squeak! Instead of roaring or growling, they make chirps, squeaks, and huffs to communicate. 🔉
Each red panda has a unique face! They have different markings around their eyes and nose, which helps them recognize each other! 😎
Want more? Visit our website for more facts and video of why they’re so cute!
EVER WONDER?
Do cats always land on their feet? 🐱
Cats land on their feet thanks to a special built-in skill called the righting reflex.
This reflex starts working when cats are 3-4 weeks old. When a cat falls, it:
Twists its body: Cats have super flexible spines with 53 vertebrae (we only have 33!). This lets them twist the front and back halves of their body separately.
Turns its head to find the ground: Their inner ear has a strong balance system that tells them which way is down, so they can twist and orient.
Spreads its legs: This slows them down. Their light body weight helps too.
Arches its back: This helps absorb the impact when they land. Their strong, springy legs also act like shock absorbers to soften the landing.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
👁️ Why humans are the only animals with white eyes
🐶 How to test your pet’s IQ
🛡️ What made a knight’s armor so strong?
BRAIN TRIVIA
Code breakers: find the correct 4-digit code using the numbers 0-9 with no repeats.
5 3 0 8 - 2 digits are correct and in the right spots
9 1 5 2 - 3 digits are correct but all in the wrong spots
7 3 9 5 - 2 digits are correct and in the right spots, and 1 digit is correct but in the wrong spot
Thanks for reading! See you next time!
- Steve
P.S. Lots of animals have been to space, including guinea pigs, frogs, and fish!
P.P.S. If you enjoy this newsletter, please consider leaving a tip to support us!