Identifying Unidentified Online Creatures 1
By
Ashley Davis
Wed, Jul 24, 2024
PHOTO: Yueke
youtube@animalogic
Every day, I see all sorts of sensational stuff online – today it's unknown creatures, tomorrow it's mysterious beasts. And there's always a crowd of clueless folks racking up hundreds of thousands of views. Look, I don't know if there are really unknown creatures or divine blessings out there, but as a hot-headed biology student, I'm starting a column to debunk these viral mystical creatures.
First up, let's talk about the fearsome-looking animal with big teeth. It's a baboon called the Gelada. These guys live in the high mountains of Ethiopia. Don’t assume it's always hot in Africa; these baboons can be found at altitudes above 13,000 feet where it gets pretty cold, hence the thick fur, particularly on the males. This species is now very rare, so to all those keyboard warriors who think they can take on one of these beasts, save your breath.
First up, let's talk about the fearsome-looking animal with big teeth. It's a baboon called the Gelada. These guys live in the high mountains of Ethiopia. Don’t assume it's always hot in Africa; these baboons can be found at altitudes above 13,000 feet where it gets pretty cold, hence the thick fur, particularly on the males. This species is now very rare, so to all those keyboard warriors who think they can take on one of these beasts, save your breath.
PHOTO: Yueke
Next, mutant slugs? If you lack basic biology knowledge, the whole world is full of mutant creatures! This one here is a banana slug from North America. It’s huge, and its size and color make it look like an actual banana.
PHOTO: Yueke
They’re so popular they've inspired a ton of merchandise, like fridge magnets and glass ornaments. Honestly, who buys this stuff to display at home?
PHOTO: Yueke
Now, meet the Polygonum-rhombophyllum. It’s quite beautiful, with leaves that spread out on the water like fireworks. But here's the catch – it’s not water chestnut. It looks similar, but its leaves are much smaller and it doesn’t produce any edible nuts. If you have a small pond or water feature at home, you can grow this for a year, but it’s not perennial. The small yellow flowers are adorable though.
PHOTO: Yueke
As for the water buttercup, its flowers usually grow above water, but sometimes strong currents push them underwater, leading to those mystical underwater flower photos. It’s not that the plant wants to grow that way; it’s just forced by nature!
PHOTO: Yueke
Now, those beautiful Arctic bear photos lying in fields of flowers? That’s fireweed, which grows widely from the Arctic to Yunnan, China, but only in colder climates. Some people claim this indicates global warming and melting ice, but actually, it doesn’t mean much. In places like Hudson Bay in Canada, it’s usually icy, but in summer, large fields of fireweed bloom.
PHOTO: Yueke
Most polar bears move further north in the summer, but some, about a thousand or so, stay in these areas. Those picturesque photos are typically from Hudson Bay, showing these stay-behind bears.
PHOTO: Yueke
I recently saw a video online claiming that deer have mutated. But on closer inspection, I realized it was just a chevrotain! These little guys live in Asian forests and, at first glance, they look pretty cute. However, when they get aggressive, they reveal their sharp teeth. People are using this contrast to sensationalize, saying, "Oh, the deer have mutated!" The musk deer would say, "shut up!"
PHOTO: Yueke
Let’s talk about the mandrill – it looks like a monkey wearing a fancy mask, but it's a unique primate from African rainforests, known for its vivid facial and rear end colors. With red and blue stripes on its face, it's quite a sight. I can’t even imagine what the first person to see one thought! Despite its fierce look, the mandrill is a highly intelligent and social animal with complex emotions and communication methods.
PHOTO: Yueke
They're very cautious and excellent at group defense, with the biggest and strongest male usually leading the troop. If you ever encounter one, don’t get curious – stay away, especially if they start showing off their colorful butts.
PHOTO: Yueke
And then there's the Arothron meleagris. When threatened, it puffs up by swallowing a lot of water, and can spit it out through its gill slits and mouth, making it look all spiky and tough.
PHOTO: Yueke
Lastly, the orangutan – the wise old man of the jungle. Found in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, these primates are covered in thick red hair, and their long arms and nimble fingers make them expert climbers and foragers. The name “orangutan” comes from the Malay words for “forest person,” which is spot on since they spend most of their lives in the trees. These guys are not only smart but also have a great sense of humor. They use leaves as umbrellas to keep dry in tropical downpours and as plates for their favorite fruits. While they prefer solitude, the bond between a mother and her baby is incredibly tight. Little orangutans cling to their moms, learning how to live and find food in the trees. The coolest part? Orangutans are tool users, employing sticks to fish for ants or crack open tough nuts. Watching them swing gracefully through the treetops, you'd think they're the true acrobats of the forest.
In a world filled with diverse animals, there’s something irresistibly charming about those with soft, fluffy coats. Their adorable appearance and endearing behavior bring a sense of joy and warmth into our lives. Whether you’re a pet owner or simply an animal enthusiast, the following furry friends are sure to capture your heart with their cuddly charm.
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