Interesting Contents Archive

Have you ever seen the gundi (Ctenodactylus gundi)? Found in parts of northern Africa, this rotund rodent has a not-so-lively form of self-defense: When frightened, it can play dead! Entering a trance-like state, this critter freezes, lays on its side, and stops breathing—sometimes holding its breath for a full minute. Why? Scientists think that the act of “playing possum,” also known as thanatosis, confuses predators and offers prey a last chance at escape. Photo: Manfred M., CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, flickr #wildlife #amazinganimals #animalkingdom #biodiversity #cutecritters

The restriction of cattle slaughter is mostly due to religious reasons as well as economical reasons (cows have a lot of agricultural utility).