Salamander

Brightly Colored: : Salamanders come in a variety of colors and patterns, with bright colors usually a warning to predators that this menu item contains a lethal poison.
A Disposable Tail: They have slender bodies, usually four legs of similar size, a small head, small eyes and a tail. In some species the tail detaches when attacked. The tail will continue to twitch, distracting the predator as the rest of the salamander makes its escape.
Land and Water: Some species of salamander make their home in water, while others are mainly terrestrial. Those that make their home in water take in oxygen through large external gills.

Frog

Frogs vs. Toads: Frogs and toads are amphibians, meaning they start off as water-breathing juveniles and develop into air-breating adults. No clear distinction exists between frogs and toads, although the skin of a toad tends to be rougher and drier than frogs. Toads also tend to be covered with warts.
Deadly Tongue: Both critters are characterized by their short, ridged body and wide head. Large protruding eyes and a noticeable eardrum on each side of the head are always on the alert for the next meal. A large mouth houses a long, sticky tongue that quickly flicks out to capture live prey. Without teeth and unable to chew, a frog's meals are swallowed whole.
Vulnerability and Defense: Frogs and toads are very vulnerable as they have no defenses against predators. Their best bet to escape being eaten is their ability to jump quickly or their talent for blending into their surroundings. Some species have evolved glands that secrete a poisonous and distasteful substance on their skin. These animals are usually brightly colored to give warning to a predator ready for a meal that it best look elsewhere

Polar Bear

Bear of the Sea: The semiaquatic polar bear was once considered to be nomadic, but has since been shown to have a very large home range — up to about 115 square miles. Ringed seals are their preferred prey, but in winter, they will eat anything they can catch. In summer, they eat leaves, berries and seaweed.Adapted for Cold: Polar bears are made for the cold. Their hairs are hollow, making for excellent insulation that is capable of trapping much of their body heat. Only the nose and eyes radiate heat, so they cover them with their paws when they sleep.The Polar Bear's Downfall: This adaptation to freezing temperatures may be the polar bear's downfall at this time of global warming. As the earth heats up due to human-created greenhouse gases, the ice has begun to melt, putting the existence of the polar bear in jeopardy.

Seal

Acrobats of the Sea: A member of the pinniped family, seals are aptly suited to their watery environment. With streamlined bodies, eyes that see well underwater, ear passages and nostrils that clamp shut while underwater, and insulating blubber, they are the acrobats of the sea.All Shapes and Sizes: Seals come in many different shapes, sizes and colors, and can be found in a variety of ocean habitats. The largest pinniped, the male southern elephant seal, can weigh as much as 5 1/2 tons. Its distinctive nose, which resembles an elephant's trunk, inflates when roaring to ward off male rivals during breeding season. The weddell seal uses its long upper incisor teeth to bite holes in sheets of ice to create breathing holes after its one-hour dive to find fish and squid.

Dolphin

It's In the Teeth: The toothed whale group, of which the dolphin is a member, also includes river dolphins, porpoises, white whales, sperm whales, orcas and beaked whales. Unlike baleen whales, which scoop large quantities of water into their mouths and filter out mass quantities of food, dolphins capture their prey individually. Their conically shaped teeth are perfect for catching fish, squid or other whales.
Clicks and Echos: All toothed whales use echolocation to find and kill their prey as well as to avoid obstacles. High frequency clicks are emitted from the blowhole. A fluid-filled sac on the top of its head and just forward of the blowhole changes shape as the dolphin focuses the clicks. Bouncing off objects the clicking sound returns and passes through the dolphin's jaw. The time it takes for the sound to make its way back to the dolphin reveals the size and location of the object.

Shark

Shark Hallmarks: Although the great white shark is probably the most famous of this group of talented hunters and voracious eaters, sharks come in many different sizes, shapes and colors. In general, however, the torpedo-shaped body and sharp rows of teeth are the hallmarks of the shark.
Exceptions to the Rule: Some exceptions are the frill shark, a deepwater species, which resembles an eel more than a shark. Another variation is the pygmy shark, which grows no larger than 10 inches in length. The pygmy has light-producing organs on its belly and sides. It is thought that this its luminescence eliminates shadows, making this shark difficult to see when attacking its prey.
Hunting Techniques: Different species also depend on different tactics for hunting and killing. Some sharks rely on short high-speed chases. Other species prefer to wait for sedentary fish to come their way, and still others are scavengers on the look out for carcasses.
In Decline: The popularity of shark fishing and shark as food have had an impact on populations. About 100 million sharks are caught annuall

Turtle

An Ancient Animal: Turtles came into being about 200 million years ago and have evolved little since then. All turtles lay their eggs on land, even if the water is where they'd rather be.
Ultimate Protection: The turtle's most distinctive characteristic is the large shell that protects the soft body. Shells come in different shapes and textures depending on the lifestyle of the turtle. Those living on land have hard, high-domed shells that are difficult to penetrate. Turtles living in water tend to have more streamlined, smoother shells for easier mobility through the currents.
Famously Slow: Famously slow movers, most turtles will wait until their food inadvertently swims or walks within snapping distance. Most are herbivores and graze on grass, plants, bushes and shrubs, although they will also eat small animals or insects that happen to be mixed with their food.

Snake

A Basic Body Plan: Snakes are found in almost all corners of the world except Antarctica. Snakes come in many shapes, sizes and colors, and their appearance reflects the environment in which they live. Without legs, eyelids and external ears, they have still evolved into formidable hunters.
Detecting Prey: Smell seems to be a snake's best asset. The snake analyzes scents by flicking its long tongue into the air to gather scent molecules, which are then transferred to the Jacobson's organ located inside its mouth. Some species, such as pit vipers, take advantage of organs on their face known as head pits to detect changes in temperature — another method that allows the snake to find its prey.
Killing Prey: Killing prey can take many forms. Some snakes use constriction. By wrapping its muscular body around its victim the snake can slowly suffocate and crush its prey. Snakes have extremely flexible jaws and can swallow prey that is much larger than their head. The digestive juices slowly kill the victim. Only about one in 10 snakes are venomous and within that group only a small proportion is a threat to humans.
Awesome Eyesight?: Most snakes have adequate eyesight, allowing them to track movements. The exception are arboreal (tree-dwelling) snakes, which have binocular vision. These snakes can focus both eyes on the same point in order to make a precise attack.

Spider

The Spider's Silk: As part of the arachnid class spiders have two main body segments: the cephalothorax and abdomen. Their ability to produce silk separates spiders from other arachnids. The silk is used to capture prey in elaborately woven webs, to wrap and protect eggs, and as a bungee-like cord to move from place to place.
Toxin Toolkit: Almost all spiders have venom-injecting fangs, which they use to kill their prey. Some spiders inject a neurotoxin, which affects the victim's nervous system, typically resulting in paralysis. Others inject a cytotoxin, which damages the victim's cellular tissue.
An Extra Set of Hands: Two leglike pedipalps located near the spider's head are used in a variety of ways. One of the most important is bringing food to the mouth. In adult males, the ends of the pedipalps are modified and used for the transfer of sperm during mating. Spiders also use their pedipalps for sensing their environment; sensitive hairs pick up vibrations, air currents and even scent.
Spiders, Spiders Everywhere: At least 40,000 species of spider have been described by science, but this number only accounts for one-third to one-fifth of all spider species on earth. Spiders can be found in just about every terrestrial habitat and some water ones as well, from tropical rain forests, woodlands, caves and gardens to your home.
Sacrificial Males: A female spider will often kill the male shortly after mating. By feeding the female, who will ultimately lay and tend the resulting fertilized eggs, the male ensures that his genes will carry on. In lieu of self-sacrifice, some male spiders will offer a fly or other meal to the female before mating.

Scorpion

Scorpion Anatomy: As part of the arachnid class, scorpions have two main body segments and four pairs of legs. The most distinctive characteristics of the scorpion are its long, clawlike pedipalps, which look like miniature lobster claws, and their stinging tail. The tail is mainly used for defense as opposed to capturing prey.
Diminutive But Deadly: One of the smallest scorpions, the buthid, which rarely reach more than 5 inches in length, is actually one of the most lethal scorpions. One shot of venom from its stinging tail can paralyze the heart and respiratory system of its victim.
The Larger Variety: The scorpionid family includes the world's largest scorpions, which can measure up to 8-½ inches long. These larger species tend to be less venomous and use their size to overpower victims instead.
Scorpion Survivors: Scorpions are hardy survivors. Scientists have frozen them solid, only to watch them thaw out and keep on crawling. One thing scorpions can't survive without is loose soil in which to burrow.

Butterfly

Butterflies 101: A whopping 165,000 species grouped in 127 families make butterflies and moths one of the most diverse insects in the world. Common features among the array of species are a scale-covered body and wings, a mouth in the form of a proboscis, an elongated appendage used for sipping nectar, and the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly or moth through metamorphosis.
Moth or Butterfly?: There is no clear-cut difference between moths and butterflies, and scientists have yet to make a definitive distinction. In general, butterflies tend to be brighter in color and fly in the day, while the drab moth makes its rounds at night.

Owl

Hunters of the Night: Owls are the silent hunters of the night. At first glance they may look like a typical day-flying predator, like the hawk or eagle, but their special adaptations allow them to find prey under the cover of night. Large eyes collect all available light, even if it's only the light of the moon; their sensitive ears can hear the tiniest scampering sound of prey; and soft wings make them silent stalkers.
Food Preference: Food preference depends on the owl species. Most feed on insects, birds or small mammals, but some species, such as the Pel's fishing owl, feed on fish. Owls ingest all parts of their prey — skin, bone and feathers. After several hours they will regurgitate the indigestible bits in the form of a pellet, which are collected in their nest or roosting site.
Found Worldwide: The two families of owl — typical and barnyard — can be found in a variety of habitats worldwide.

Hawk

One Sharp Bird: Hawks, as part of the group known as birds of prey, have acute eyesight, muscular legs and sharp bills. The nostrils are located just above the bill on a fleshy patch of skin that is called the cere. Hawks are known for their sharp talons, which they use to catch prey even when in flight.
A Huge Family: Over 250 species are included in the hawk family. Hawks, like most birds of prey, hunt during the daytime, unlike owls.
Small, Medium and Large: Hawks can be found in forests, prairies, marshlands or open savannas. The birds vary widely in size. The smallest hawks, such as the sparrow hawk, are about the size of a robin while the rough-legged hawk, one of the largest hawks, has a length of 22 inches and a wingspan of over 55 inches. Female hawks are almost always larger than males.

Falcon

Prey During the Day: Falcons, as part of the group known as birds of prey, have acute eyesight, muscular legs and sharp bills. Most birds of prey hunt during the daytime, unlike owls.
World's Fastest Birds: Some species of falcon are barred forest falcon, Eleonora's falcon and the peregrine falcon. The peregrine falcon is one of the fastest birds in the world and can be found on every continent, except Antarctica. In this species females are 30 percent larger than the males. The peregrine falcon is a powerful flier and attacks its prey in a steep dive, during which it may reach a speed of 145 mph.
Falcon Conservation: The 1950s saw a steep decline in peregrine falcon populations due to DDT pollution. Through conservation efforts this falcon is making a slow comeback.

Bald Eagle

An American Bird: Unique to North America, the bald eagle can be found along lakes, rivers, marshes and seacoasts across all 50 states except Hawaii. The bald eagle, so named because of its bald appearance due to a patch of white feathers on top of its head, is the only eagle native to North America.
Built to Kill: Bald eagles, as part of the group known as birds of prey, have acute eyesight, muscular legs and sharp bills. Most birds of prey hunt during the daytime unlike owls. They make their homes along lakes and rivers where fish is plentiful, a dietary staple.
Mates for Life: Bald eagles will pair for life. Bonding between pairs occurs through intricate aerial acrobatics. Together the couple builds massive nests by creating a web of sticks in a tall tree or sometimes a cliff.
From Eaglet to Eagle: A clutch includes two or three white eggs each season. The plumage of newly born eaglets is light gray, but turns dark brown by the time they leave the nest at 12 weeks. Adults are mottled brown with a white crown and white feathers under their wings. By 4 or 5 years of age, a bald eagle's beak and eyes turn yellow. Their wingspan is between 6 and 8 feet.

Lion

A Formidable Hunter: Found in Africa and the Gir Forest of northwest India, lions are formidable hunters. Prides, composed of four to six females, work together to take down large prey, such as zebra, wildebeest, impala and buffalo. Hunting skills are developed as cubs through the use of play-fighting among relatives. A lion's diet also consists of small rodents, hares and reptiles, which can be hunted and killed by a solitary lion.
The King of Cats: Males live in pairs or small groups until they're able to take over a pride. The males defend their large territorial areas against other male intruders to protect their mating rights with the prides that live within their territory.

Cheetah

Built for Speed: The cheetah can reach speeds of 68 mph, making it the fastest land mammal in the world. It has nonretractable claws (unlike those of other cats), which provide it with better traction when it runs on soft ground. Unlike most large cats, which hunt by ambush, the cheetah chases its prey at high speed, using its tail as a stabilizer, especially when making tight turns.
Cheetah Habits: It preys on many of the animals that share its habitat, including gazelles, gnus, antelopes and warthogs. The males often live in small groups; the females are solitary, meeting up with males only to mate.
Under Threat: Once hunted for its spotted coat, the cheetah is now protected. However, poaching and habitat destruction continue to threaten it.

The largest member of the cat family

Class: Mammalia (mammal) Order: Carnivora (meat-eating mammals) Family: Felidae (cats)
The tiger is the largest member of the cat family. It is also the largest land living mammal with a diet that consists entirely of meat.
This creature is one of the most magnificent and imposing of animals. It has a powerful muscular body with big paws and large, curved claws which help to make it the perfect hunter. The claws are retractile, that is, they can be pulled into the paw.

Carnivores

Carnivore is derived from two Latin words; 'caro' meaning 'flesh' and 'vorare' meaning 'to swallow'.A carnivore is a flesh-eating or predatory organism. Even plants can be carnivorous, for instance, the Venus flytrap that catches insects and ingests them. But mostly plants are neither herbivores nor carnivores, but producers since they essentially manufacture their own food through photosynthesis.

Animal life in harsh terrain

High mountains are a bleak habitat for animal life. Food is scarce and the climate is very cold. Ironically, because the terrain is so inhospitable, animals here have been relatively protected from human interference.