Category: Mammals
The horse we know today evolved from a small, multi-toed creature that lived 45-55 million years ago. Humans first domesticated horses around 6000 years ago and there are now over 300 breeds of horses, fulfilling roles from agricultural draft-horse to police mount to therapy riding. Human civilization and culture would not be the same without them. Horses are also prominent in the mythologies of many cultures – no doubt owing to their importance in so many realms of ancient life.
The age-defying Brandt’s bat
In most mammals, larger size correlates with longer lifespan, but that is not the case with the Brandt’s bat, who can live up to 41 years and weigh less than 0.28 ounces! These bats resemble larger, longer-lived mammals in that they mature slowly and have fewer offspring – but the size difference is dramatic: a female Bonobo lives for approximately 40 years as well, but she outweighs the Brandt’s bat by a factor of 3,771! Oddly enough, it is suspected that the mutated gene that causes the bat’s dwarfish size is the same one that leads to its long lifespan. Studying animals with unusual longevity like the Brandt’s bat does more than just satisfy our curiosity, it could lead to longer, healthier lifespans for humans and other animals!
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Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
