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Discover Different Types of Animals Today
A-Z Animals is the world’s most trusted online animal encyclopedia. If you want cute animals, types of wild animals, exotic pets, weird animals or are looking for comprehensive pet guides for dogs and cats, you’ll find it here!
We believe that if people know more about the world’s creatures they will better care for them. Thats why we add new animals for you to discover – each and every day! Learn about any animal using the search box below or subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
Latest Animal News, Facts, Rankings, and More!
In today’s post, we’ll compare the greater rhea and the ostrich, two bird species that are closely related. Both the Rhea and the Ostrich are ratite, flightless birds. A ratite is any bird with a smooth or raft-like sternum (breastbone) due to the lack of a keel to which the flying muscles might be attached. […] Read More
Longnose Gar Vs Alligator Gar: Are They Different?
Have you ever wondered what a longnose gar vs alligator gar comparison would look like? With these two species being so similar, it’s easy to think they’re identical. However, no matter the similarities, both the longnose gar and the alligator gar are two separate species. They’re even in two separate genera! To help you tell […] Read More
Goblin Shark vs Anglerfish: Which Is The Creepiest Sea Creature Of Them All?
While you may not have to worry about confusing the goblin shark and the anglerfish like some other creatures under the sea, do you know just how different they are? Or, when it comes to the goblin shark vs anglerfish, do you know which is the creepiest? Both of these sea creatures live far beneath […] Read More
See all of A-Z Animals News and Information.
The 7 Major Different Types Of Animals
Mammals
The official mammal class is Mammalia. Animals that are considered mammals include warm-blooded vertebrates that have hair or fur and whose babies drink milk. Unlike other animal types like birds and insects, all mammal babies drink milk that comes from their mother’s bodies. This is one of the key ways to know if an animal is a mammal.
See the complete list of mammals.
Reptiles
Lizards, dinosaurs, crocodiles, turtles, and snakes – all belong to that ancient and stout class of animals known as the reptiles. This is a diverse group with more than 10,000 different species and a huge representation in the fossil record. Once the dominant land vertebrates on the planet, reptiles still occupy just about every single ecosystem outside of the extreme north and south.
See the complete list of reptiles.
Fish
Fish are aquatic vertebrates. They usually have gills, paired fins, a long body covered with scales, and tend to be cold-blooded. "Fish" is a term used to refer to lampreys, sharks, coelacanths and ray-finned fishes, but is not a taxonomic group, which is a clade or group containing a common ancestor and all its descendants.
See the complete list of fish.
Birds
Birds, members of the class Aves, include more than 10,400 living species. Their feathers distinguish them from all other classes of animal; no other animals on earth have them. If you see an animal with feathers, it’s undoubtedly a bird. Like mammals, birds are warm-blooded vertebrates with four-chambered hearts. However, they are more closely related to reptiles and are believed to have evolved from dinosaurs.
See the complete list of birds.
Amphibians
The official class of amphibians is Amphibia. To have the classification of an amphibian, an animal must be a vertebrate, require water to survive, be cold-blooded, and spend time both on land and in water. Though other animals only live on land or in the water, amphibians have the unique ability to thrive equally in both. Amphibians cover over 6,000 different species across the globe, but about 90% are frogs.
See the complete list of amphibians.
Invertebrates
The definition of an invertebrate is any animal that does not have a backbone or vertebral column. The most prolific and easily recognizable members of the invertebrate family are insects. It’s estimated that upwards of 30 million individual species of invertebrates may exist accounting for between 90-95 percent of all organisms on the planet.
See the complete list of invertebrates.
Insects
All insects are part of the taxonomical phylum Arthropoda, and they are collectively referred to as arthropods. It is common to see this name misspelled as “anthropod,” but this is not the correct term. They can be found in nearly every environment on the planet, and they currently account for over half of all known living organisms in the world. They have undergone many cycles of evolution depending on the resources available to them.
See the complete list of insects.
Pet Guides: Everything To Know About Cat and Dog Breeds
Want to know how to raise a puppy or kitten? Curious to learn more about big and small dog breeds or cat breeds? Check out our comprehensive pets guides below!
Most Popular Pet Dog Breeds
Irish Setter
Can live for up to 16 years!
Boston Terrier
Friendly, lovable and very strong!
Golden Retriever
Trusting, kind and gentle!
See a complete list of dog breeds.
Most Popular Pet Cat Breeds
Abyssinian
The oldest breed of cat in the world!
Australian Mist
First bred in the 1700s!
Ragdoll
One of the larger breeds of domestic cat!
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Expert Pet Product Reviews
The AZ Animals team has spent years working with and studying the latest research on what products are best for our pets and yours, and we’re excited to share our expert pet product recommendations with you.
See all of our Expert Pet Product Reviews.
Explore Types of Wild Animals from Around the World
- African Animals
- Asian Animals
- Central American Animals
- Eurasian Animals
- European Animals
- North American Animals
- Marine (Ocean) Animals
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- South American Animals
Animals By Letter: Explore A to Z Animal Lists
Animals that Start with A
Example: The Assassin Bug
Animals that Start with B
Example: The Beagle Shepherd
Animals that Start with C
Example: The Chow Chow
Animals that Start with D
Example: The Dugong
Animals that Start with E
Example: The Escolar
Animals that Start with F
Example: The Flea
Animals that Start with G
Example: The Griffonshire
Animals that Start with H
Example: The Hercules Beetle
Animals that Start with I
Example: The Impala
Animals that Start with J
Example: The Javan Rhinoceros
Animals that Start with K
Example: The Kangaroo
Animals that Start with L
Example: The Labradoodle
Animals that Start with M
Example: The Monitor Lizard
Animals that Start with N
Example: The Natterjack
Animals that Start with O
Example: The Olive Baboon
Animals that Start with P
Example: The Pig
Animals that Start with Q
Example: The Quokka
Animals that Start with R
Example: The Russian Bear Dog
Animals that Start with S
Example: The Seal
Animals that Start with T
Example: The Tiger Beetle
Animals that Start with U
Example: The Uguisu
Animals that Start with V
Example: The Vicuña
Animals that Start with W
Example: The Welsh Corgi
Animals that Start with X
Example: The Xerus
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Example: The Yellowfin Tuna
Animals that Start with Z
Example: The Zebra Shark
See Endangered Animals Lists
- Extinct
- Extinct in the Wild
- Critically Endangered
- Endangered
- Vulnerable
- Near Threatened
- Least Concern
- Data Deficient
- Not Evaluated
Animal Reference Guides
We are building the world’s greatest animal encyclopedia. Be search to check out our Reference Library and Glossary to learn about Animal Habitats, Diet, Behavior and much more…
Even more from A-Z Animals
Discover the 10 Best National and State Parks in Kansas
Kansas is located in the midwestern region of the United States. The state spans from the Missouri River, to the Smoky Hills, to the High Plains and has rich historical, cultural, and natural backgrounds that are the perfect destination for a relaxing weekend getaway. So what are the best getaways in Kansas? While the state […] Read More
Are Moles Rodents?
Moles are small mammals noted for their ability to burrow and dig intricate tunnels. They are found on every continent except Antarctica, and they live anywhere that they can dig tunnels. Moles typically have long snouts and small, short bodies. Given how widespread they are as well as their small stature and the “pest” status […] Read More
Are Wombats Dangerous?
Swarovski Nike air max 270When one thinks they have encountered and seen different animals on the planet, a weird creature appears out of the blue. Interestingly, wombats are our animal focus in this article, and they have surprisingly unique physical features similar to rodents. The wombat is a marsupial native to Australia and the surrounding islands. They are often […] Read More
Why Your Dog is Licking Your Feet, and What To Do About it
Have you been asking: ‘Why do dogs lick your feet?’ This seemingly strange behavior is quite common amongst our four-legged friends. It may be puzzling to dog owners, but this is a perfectly natural thing for dogs to do. Let us explain why that is and give you some tips on what to do about […] Read More
Are Leeches Dangerous?
There are different kinds of critters that creep around on mother Earth; some are lovely to look upon, while others are, well, scary. Leeches are one of the spooky or naughty creatures you may see in your lifetime. As small as they appear, you get chills all over your body when seen close to your […] Read More
Why do dogs sneeze (not what you expect)
Why do dogs sneeze? Dogs sneezing can be the cutest sound but there is more to it than you think. There are so many reasons that could be behind it including communication, excitement, infections, and allergies. Most of the time it is perfectly harmless, but it could also be an indicator of something more serious. […] Read More
Short Terani dressCalifornia is home to many types of animals. Among these creatures is the mountain lion, the biggest feline to roam North America. These cats are often called cougars or pumas, but a mountain lion by any other name is just as deadly. We’re going to take a look at mountain lions in California and show […] Read More
Are Dragonflies Dangerous?
Dragonflies radiate their essence with their fluttering scintillating wings during erratic flight and are known for their long bodies and transparent wings. In close range, one can capture the beauty of their prominent sizable eyes that allow them to view a wide range: an over 360-degree vision. Their eyes fascinatingly embody over 30,000 facets, allowing […] Read More
Shoebill Stork vs Crocodile: Who Would Win in a Fight?
Crocodiles are known as apex predators in their range. They may just be the deadliest reptiles alive today. That doesn’t make crocodiles invincible, though. Shoebill storks are tall, strong birds with large bills, sharp beaks, and a penchant for eating fish and other large aquatic animals, including juvenile crocodiles. So, what would happen in a […] Read More
Why Dogs Eat Poop — And What You Should Do About It
Dogs eating poop is one of the more gross aspects of dog ownership. My friend’s black lab loved to get into the family cat’s litter box for a little snack, and would sometimes nibble on other dogs’ excrement too. Why do dogs do this seemingly bizarre behavior and how can you stop them from doing […] Read More
Why is my dog barking at nothing?
Sometimes dogs do weird things. One of those weird things would be barking at nothing. This is something that dogs do sometimes, and when it happens it can not only annoy us but also freak us out. Ever wondered what your dog could be barking at? Read on to learn more about this peculiar behavior. […] Read More
Garter Snakes in Oregon: Which Species Live There?
Abundant forests, lush vegetation, deserts, and flowing rivers converge in the state of Oregon. This North American state is home to a rich variety of landscapes. Garter snakes have no problem finding a suitable habitat here and can be widespread throughout Oregon. Some of the habitats they call home include grasslands, shrublands, forests, streams, hillsides, […] Read More
When Do Snakes Come Out in Tennessee?
Those who reside in or visit Tennessee should be mindful of the wildlife that inhabits the state. Snakes thrive in Tennessee because of the state’s varied climate and abundance of wooded hillside forests. If you want to avoid an encounter with a snake, read on to learn when they are most active in Tennessee, which […] Read More
Explained: Why Your Dog Chases Cats
Many pet owners know cats and dogs can live happily together in one home, despite cartoons and commonly used metaphors that say otherwise. That doesn’t mean it’s always easy for them to get along. Dogs like to chase cats, at least some dogs want to. Why do dogs chase cats? Specific breeds like herding and […] Read More
Why Do Dogs Wag Their Tails? (It’s Not Always What You Think)
A dog running towards you with a wagging tail feels like just about the best thing for a dog lover. In this situation, many people believe it’s an indication of enthusiasm and happiness. Perhaps you’ve even been with a dog whose tail would always thump loudly on the floor whenever it had its belly scratched. […] Read More
Why Do Cats Sleep On You?
Every night, around midnight, my cat meows until I join her in the bed (even though she also sleeps all day). Then, she will dutifully crawl on top of me and happily curl up on my stomach, purring the whole time. We both love this little ritual, but it did get me thinking…why do cats […] Read More
How Much Do Pet Snakes Cost to Buy, Own, and Care For?
Despite popular belief, slithering snakes make incredible pets. They’re relatively low maintenance and have quirky personalities just like our furry four-legged friends. Whether you’re a busy individual or just don’t want to pick up after a messy pet, consider buying a snake. Some snakes can be handled, while others aren’t the biggest fans of being […] Read More
Discover The Five Most Common Sharks Found In The Chesapeake Bay!
The Chesapeake Bay is located on the East Coast of the United States, more commonly known as the Eastern Shore. The Chesapeake is known worldwide as the official home of the Maryland blue crab! However, humans are not the only ones who love the culinary wonders of the Chesapeake. The blue crab also gets the […] Read More
Discover the 8 Best National Parks in Utah
The beauty of Utah is hidden in its magnificent national parks, which provide habitat for many critically endangered species. With a vast array of incredible things to see and do, it’s not surprising that Utah welcomes visitors from all over the world each year. Steamy beaches, iconic high plateaus, stark red-rock desert landscapes, vibrant towns, […] Read More
Snake Phobia: What’s the Fear of Snakes and Why Do So Many People Have it?
In 2016, a study carried out on the fear of snakes showed that about half of the population feel anxious about snakes and 2–3% have a serious phobia of snakes. It is safe to say that snakes aren’t a popular favorite and it’s easy to see why. People who reach the diagnostic criteria for snake […] Read More