Knowledge Point 01: Chickens Were the First Animals Domesticated by Humans
Chickens are one of the earliest animals domesticated by humans in history, with a domestication history dating back to the Neolithic Age about 10,000 years ago, providing a rich source of protein for humans.
Detailed Explanation: During the Neolithic Age, humans began to transition from hunting and gathering to farming life. Chickens were gradually domesticated due to their ease of feeding, rapid reproduction, and ability to provide high-protein food.
Domesticated chickens not only became delicacies on the human dining table but also played an important role in agricultural production, such as providing fertilizer and controlling pests. Additionally, chickens are crucial experimental animals, playing an irreplaceable role in research in biology, medicine, and other fields.
Knowledge Point 02: The Giraffe Is the Tallest Mammal
With its unique long neck and tall body, the giraffe is the tallest mammal on land, reaching a height of over 6 meters.
Detailed Explanation: The giraffe’s long neck and tall body allow it to easily reach leaves on the grasslands for foraging and also provide it with a broad field of vision, helping it detect predators in a timely manner.
The giraffe’s heart and circulatory system have undergone special adaptations to support its tall body’s normal physiological functions. Furthermore, the giraffe’s neck skin is very thick, protecting it from predator attacks.
Knowledge Point 03: The Four Major Pests Globally: Rats, Mosquitoes, Flies, and Bedbugs
Rats, mosquitoes, flies, and bedbugs are collectively known as the four major pests globally due to their severe threats to human life and health.
Detailed Explanation: These four pests not only spread diseases such as plague, malaria, and cholera but also destroy crops and contaminate food, causing great impact on human production and life.
To control the population and harm of these pests, people have taken various measures, such as using insecticides, improving environmental hygiene, and implementing biological control.
However, due to the strong adaptability and reproduction ability of these pests, prevention and control efforts still face significant challenges.
Knowledge Point 04: Mantises Are Known as Insect-Hunting Experts
Mantises are renowned as “experts in insect hunting” in the insect world due to their unique hunting methods and powerful hunting abilities, making them outstanding predators in nature.
Detailed Explanation: Mantises have evolved sharp capturing legs on their front feet, enabling them to quickly capture and subdue prey. Their hunting methods are very precise and efficient, completing the hunting process within a very short time.
Additionally, mantises have excellent camouflage abilities, using their body color and shape to hide and more easily approach prey. These characteristics make mantises unique among insects and outstanding predators.
Knowledge Point 05: Female Mosquitoes Suck Human Blood
Female mosquitoes are the only species of mosquitoes that suck blood, obtaining nutrition through bloodsucking to support their egg-laying and reproduction processes.
Detailed Explanation: During the reproduction period, female mosquitoes need to suck blood to obtain sufficient protein and nutrition to support their egg-laying and egg incubation processes. When female mosquitoes bite humans, they inject saliva to prevent blood coagulation, making it easier to draw blood.
However, this saliva contains various pathogens and parasites, such as Plasmodium, dengue virus, etc., making female mosquitoes important vectors for many infectious diseases. To prevent mosquito bites and disease transmission, people need to take various measures, such as using insect repellents and wearing long-sleeved clothing.
Knowledge Point 06: The Animal in the Fable “The Frog in the Well” Is a Frog
The fable “The Frog in the Well” tells the story of a frog sitting in a well and looking at the sky, using it as a metaphor for those with narrow horizons and limited insights.
Detailed Explanation: In this fable, the frog living in the well can only see a small patch of sky through the wellhead, unable to understand the outside world and the vast sky.
The fable warns people through the frog’s limitations and short-sightedness not to be confined to their own small circles or experiences but to broaden their horizons and increase their knowledge. At the same time, the fable also reminds people to respect others’ viewpoints and experiences and not to judge others based on their own biases and narrowness.
Knowledge Point 07: The Smallest Bird in the World Is the Hummingbird
With its minute size and unique flying abilities, the hummingbird is one of the smallest birds in the world, with a body length usually not exceeding 5 centimeters.
Detailed Explanation: The hummingbird’s tiny size allows it to easily weave through flower clusters and sip nectar. Its wings are very fast and powerful, capable of vibrating at extremely high speeds and hovering or flying backwards in the air.
These characteristics make the hummingbird unique among birds and a special existence. Additionally, hummingbirds have excellent vision and hearing, accurately locating food and predators. Despite their small size, hummingbirds play an important role in nature as important pollinators for many plants.
Knowledge Point 08: The Animal Closest to Humans Is the Gorilla
Gorillas are considered one of the animals closest to humans due to their similarities with humans in genetics, physiology, and behavior.
Detailed Explanation: Gorillas have a high degree of genetic similarity to humans, with their DNA sequences sharing a high degree of homology with humans. Furthermore, gorillas also have many physiological similarities to humans, such as similar digestive and nervous systems. In behavior, gorillas also exhibit social structures and communication methods similar to humans.
These similarities make gorillas important subjects for studying human origins and evolution. At the same time, gorillas face many threats and challenges, such as habitat loss and illegal hunting, requiring human attention and protection.
