Dwarfism In Animals Refers To A Condition Where Individuals Are Notably Smaller Than The Typical Size

Dwarfism in animals refers to a condition where individuals are notably smaller than the typical size for their species. This phenomenon can arise from various factors, including genetic mutations, selective breeding, environmental conditions, hormonal imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies.

In dogs and cats, certain breeds are predisposed to dwarfism through selective breeding practices. Examples include the Dachshund with its characteristic short legs and the Munchkin cat, which has been bred for short limbs. Horses may experience dwarfism due to genetic mutations or pituitary gland malfunctions, while miniature horses are intentionally bred for their small size.

Francis was found by construction workers as a kitten in 2010 and was diagnosed dwarfism.

Pigs, such as teacup pigs, can exhibit dwarfism through selective breeding, and true dwarfism may occur due to genetic factors. Dwarf rabbit breeds, like the Netherland Dwarf, are naturally small due to selective breeding, but genetic or environmental factors can also lead to dwarfism. Birds, fish, and other animals may also experience dwarfism, influenced by genetic mutations, selective breeding, hormonal imbalances, or environmental conditions.

A one-year-old Chestnut (Agouti) Netherland Dwarf

The Eiffel Tower can be 15 cm (6 inches) taller during the summer thanks to basic physical phenomenon called thermal expansion. When a substance is heated up, its particles move more and it expands.

During hot days, the iron structure of the Eiffel Tower expands due to the heat, making it slightly taller. In contrast, during colder temperatures, it contracts. This dynamic change in height is a fascinating result of basic physics.

Anglo-Zanzibar War

The shortest war in history was between Britain and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896. The conflict lasted only 38 minutes! It was sparked by a succession dispute in Zanzibar after the death of the sultan. The British favored one candidate, while another, who was not to the liking of the British, declared himself the sultan. The British issued an ultimatum for him to step down, and when it was ignored, they bombarded the sultan's palace, effectively ending the war in less than an hour.

Red-Headed Krait (Bungarus f. flaviceps), family Elapidae, Pahang, Malaysia

Venomous.

photograph by Luke O'Sullivan 

The Mevlevi Order, also known as the Whirling Dervishes, is a Sufi order famous for its unique form of ritual dance. The dance is a form of spiritual meditation and is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

Imagine a pinecone as heavy as a bowling ball and the size of a chihuahua. Believe it or not, such pinecones exist—and they belong to the coulter pine (Pinus coulteri), a conifer that can be found in parts of North America including California and Mexico. Infamous among loggers and foresters, this tree is nicknamed "the widowmaker" because of the unlucky individuals who met their fate as a result of its falling pinecones. This species produces the largest pinecones on the planet, weighing up to 11 lbs (5 kg)!

Photo: damontighe, CC BY-NC 4.0, iNaturalist