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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!

American vs European Basset Hound: Is There a Difference?

You may not know this, but there are two distinct dog breeds known as the American vs European basset hound. While both of these dogs are essentially identical, are there any traits or distinguishing features that separate them from one another? Should you learn how to tell a European basset hound apart from an American […] Read More

Copperheads in Kentucky: Where They Live and How Often They Bite

Copperhead snakes are some of the most widespread venomous snakes that live in the United States. They are beautiful, a bit mysterious, and responsible for their fair share of bites! Today, we are going to take a look at these snakes and find out if they live in Kentucky. Let’s discover copperheads in Kentucky, where […] Read More

Why Do Dogs Dig Holes Constantly? Can You Stop Them?

We often read about digging being a “problem behavior” in dogs. In reality, it is only a problem when dogs do it in places that we don’t want them to! No one wants to see their carefully manicured lawn getting scratched to bits or a meticulously laid out flower bed destroyed by busy paws. If […] 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.

Queen butterfly danaus gilippus on blue hydrangea flowers.

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!

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.

The Top Horse Saddles in 2022

The Best Dwarf Hamster Food in 2022

Pet Horse Guide: What You Need to Know

The Best Dog Proof Litter Boxes In 2022

Pets Best Pet Insurance Review: Pros, Cons and Coverage

4 Best Pet Insurance Companies

See all of our Expert Pet Product Reviews.

Explore Types of Wild Animals from Around the World

Animals By Letter: Explore A to Z Animal Lists

Animals that Start with A

Example: The Arctic Wolf

Animals that Start with B

Example: The Bavarian Mountain Hound

Animals that Start with C

Example: The Crow

Animals that Start with D

Example: The Death’s Head Cockroach

Animals that Start with E

Example: The Eskimo Dog

Animals that Start with F

Example: The Flowerhorn Fish

Animals that Start with G

Example: The Gray Fox

Animals that Start with H

Example: The Horse

Animals that Start with I

Example: The Indian Cobra

Animals that Start with J

Example: The Jackson’s Chameleon

Animals that Start with K

Example: The Kishu

Animals that Start with L

Example: The Leaf-Tailed Gecko

Animals that Start with M

Example: The Mackenzie Wolf

Animals that Start with N

Example: The No See Ums

Animals that Start with O

Example: The Ostrich

Animals that Start with P

Example: The Praying Mantis

Animals that Start with Q

Example: The Quail

Animals that Start with R

Example: The Redtail Catfish

Animals that Start with S

Example: The Seahorse

Animals that Start with T

Example: The Tiger Moth

Animals that Start with U

Example: The Umbrellabird

Animals that Start with V

Example: The Vampire Bat

Animals that Start with W

Example: The Walking Catfish

Animals that Start with X

Example: The X-Ray Tetra

Animals that Start with Y

Example: The Yellow Cobra

Animals that Start with Z

Example: The Zebra

See Endangered Animals Lists

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

All the Reasons Dogs Like to Be Pet, and Which Spot Is Their Favorite

Dogs are very affectionate and social animals, from the excitement they show when you arrive home, to their little tail wag as they follow you around the house. You can show them, love, by petting, scratching, kissing, and cuddling them. In contrast, a dog shows love by nuzzling, licking, rubbing against you, and also by […] Read More

Basset Hound vs Bloodhound: What’s the Difference?

While they may look extremely similar, there are a number of differences between the Basset Hound vs Bloodhound. Given that both of these dog breeds are hunting or scent hound dogs, they have a lot in common. However, we are interested in their differences today. What separates them from one another and makes these two […] Read More

The 6 Reasons Dogs Lick Your Hands So Much

A happy dog will always try to lick you. Your hands are the first licking targets. There are many reasons for this canine behavior. Understanding the reason behind this behavior will allow you to love and appreciate your dog more. So, why does your dog lick your hands 100% of the time? Let us analyze […] Read More

Dogo Argentino vs Pitbull: 5 Key Differences

While the Dogo Argentino vs Pitbull look extremely similar upon first glance, what might some of the differences be between these two dog breeds? Both of these dogs are extremely powerful, loveable, and loyal- but what similarities bring them together, and what differences drive them apart? In this article, we will compare and contrast the […] Read More

Discover the Largest Leatherback Sea Turtle

Leatherback sea turtles are ocean living animals that spend most of their time in the water. They are the largest turtle species in the world. Leatherback turtles average 4-7 feet and 650-1,100 pounds, but some can get to be 8 feet long and 2,000 pounds! Think about a turtle the size of your kitchen table. […] Read More

Dogo Argentino vs American Bulldog: 5 Key Differences

There are a number of fantastic dog breeds out there, but how can you compare the Dogo Argentino vs American bulldog? What ways do these two breeds differ, and in what ways are they similar to one another? If you have always wanted to learn about the American bulldog and the Dogo Argentino, you’re in […] Read More

What’s the Largest Organ in the Body?

The human body is a marvel about which we’re still learning. Organs are important parts of the body with various functions, from aiding in digestion to pumping blood around the body. These organs vary in size, too. Some of them, like the gallbladder, are about 4 inches long, and others are much longer. Today, we’re […] Read More

10 Spiders in Oklahoma

When people think of Oklahoma, they often think of football, agriculture, or oil. That said, many people also think of its natural wonders and ecological diversity, including arid plains, subtropical forests, and mountains. The Sooner State is also home to many plants and animals, such as porcupines and jackrabbits. You can also find many kinds […] Read More

5 Water Snakes In South Carolina

South Carolina is a southeastern state of the United States which has some incredible habitats that are home to many wonderful animals. From the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains to the Piedmont plateau to miles upon miles of stunning rivers, there is something for everyone. However, some of the most interesting animals are water snakes. Water […] Read More

Why Are Dogs So Loyal? Are They The Most Loyal Pet?

If your beloved pooch could speak, what question would you ask it? For me, a question that crosses my mind quite often is about the loyalty of dogs. Everyone knows that one of the most notable traits of dogs is their overwhelming loyalty. We call them man’s best friends for a reason. But I often […] Read More

The Coolest Dog Breeds

“Wow, cool dog!” Always a nice compliment, but you already know your dog is cool, right? But “cool” is a relative term, so we had to look at several cool factors when looking at the coolest dog. Check out our list of the coolest dog breeds. Coolest Tiny Dogs If you are looking for a […] Read More

What Animals Live in (And Near) the World’s Deepest Lake?

Located in Russia, Lake Baikal is a clear and mesmerizing freshwater lake known by natives as the ‘Blue Eye of Siberia’. It is also the largest lake in Russia, containing 5,670 cubic miles of water. It has a surface area of 12,248 square miles, making it the largest freshwater lake in the world by volume! […] Read More

Pond Snail vs Bladder Snail: What are the Differences?

People often mistake pond snails for bladder snails or the other way around. The thing is that both of them are a bit dangerous to be kept as pets since they can cause a snail infestation. But when it comes to physical characteristics, it’s not so difficult to figure out which is which. If you […] Read More

Trochus Snail vs Astrea Snail: What are the Differences?

You’ve probably wondered at least once in your life what the differences between Trochus snails and Astrea snails are. These are two gorgeous types of snails that saltwater aquarium owners prefer for their tanks. They are peaceful, solitary, and unique tank cleaners. So, what is the difference between them? How do they look? What do […] Read More

The 15 Biggest Lakes in New England

Rhode Island, Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont comprise the New England region, spanning six states in the northeastern United States. Fall scenery and historical heritage could be the main factors that come to mind when thinking of New England holidays. Still, the region also has a few of the country’s most picturesque lakes. […] Read More

The 10 Biggest Lakes in New Jersey

New Jersey is renowned as the Garden State for its blueberries, tomatoes, and cranberries. With its position along the Atlantic Ocean, New Jersey also boasts many pristine beaches. It does, however, include a significant number of freshwater inland lakes, which provide opportunities for sports such as swimming, fishing, boating, and even ice skating in the […] Read More

True Owls vs Barn Owls: What Are The Differences?

Owls have captivated people over the years. True owls belong to one of the two families of owls called the Strigidae. This is a vast family containing almost 25 genres with over 220 existing species. The other is a barn owl belonging to the Tytonidae family. In total, there are approximately 20 classified species of […] Read More

Quail Vs. Grouse: What Are 8 Key Differences?

Today we will be discussing the differences between a quail and a grouse. Even though both species are in the Phasianidae family, there are a lot of differences between these two animals! There are just a couple of varied factors between them, so let’s read and find more! Quail Vs. Grouse: A Comparison QuailGrouseSize6-7 inches, […] Read More

What’s the Widest Spot on the Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon is located in the northwest corner of Arizona with Utah just to the north and Nevada to the west. The entire area of the canyon is bigger than Rhode Island! The total area is 1,904 sq miles while Rhode Island is 1,212. The Colorado River is what runs through the bottom of […] Read More

Are there Bears in Texas?

A video posted on Twitter in June of 2020 shows two bear cubs wrestling on the patio of the lodge at Big Bend National Park in Texas. This was during one of the lockdowns during the Covid Pandemic. The cute bears topple around and try to get the best of the other while the mother […] Read More