Animals that Start with G

“The Galapagos penguin is located farther north than any other penguin species in the world.“ It is a very rare and unusual sight indeed: a penguin living in warm climates. Charles Darwin never saw these creatures on his trip to the Galapagos, but today they are a fascinating spectacle for visiting tourists and nature lovers […] Read More

The Galapagos tortoise is among the giants of the reptile class. Evolving over millions of years on its remote island habitat, this tortoise had almost no contact with the outside world until the permanent discovery of the island in 1535 by humans led to rapid changes with which the tortoise could not cope. Only an […] Read More

Resembling a cross between a reptile and a fish, the gar fish is a family of long-nosed carnivorous animals that inhabit the freshwaters of North America. They make slow, languid movements through the water, but this merely hides how quickly they can strike at their prey. Although numbers are dwindling in some areas, the gar […] Read More

The garden eel is a type of saltwater eel that includes 35 different species. These eels spend their lives with at least their tail in the sand at all times. The full body is never completely out of the sand. Some or most of their body sticks out from the sand, making their appearance relative […] Read More

“Geckos can climb vertical walls and stroll across ceilings.” Geckos have been around for at least 300 million years. Scientists have found geckos preserved in amber that dates back to the Cretaceous Period, and those specimens look remarkably like the gentle little lizards you’ll find in so many parts of the world today. There are […] Read More

“When is a cat not a cat?” The genet is a type of animal called a viverrid. These animals remind people of cats and have many catlike qualities, including somewhat retractable claws and a well-developed hunting instinct, but they are more primitive. Scientists believe that the genet is the closest living relative to the ancestor […] Read More

“The Gentoo Penguin is known to be the fastest swimming penguins in the world” The Gentoo Penguins are, much like the other penguin species, black in appearance from the back to the head. They also adorn a white belly and are most commonly distinguished by a white stripe that runs from eye-to-eye at the top […] Read More

“A Geoffroy’s tamarin can jump up to 16 feet from one treetop to another.” Geoffroy’s tamarins are omnivores eating tree sap, insects, fruits, and various plants. They are active during the day and spend most of their time up in trees. These are social animals living in groups of 3 to 5 monkeys. They communicate […] Read More

Most designer dogs aren’t used as working dogs. However, because the Gerberian Shepsky is descended from two hardworking breeds, these pups are often used for police work and search and rescue missions. With their high energy levels, sensitive noses, and alert personalities, Gerberian Shepskies are perfect guard dogs and working companions. With fluffy fur, bright […] Read More

“The Gerbil is the cute and lovable rodent cannibal!” Gerbils belong to a subfamily in the Rodentia order called Gerbillinae. This subfamily includes jirds. Jirds belong to different genera than rodents formally known as gerbils, but sometimes the animals are interchangeable. Indeed, the most popular, the Mongolian gerbil, is also referred to as the Mongolian […] Read More

These intelligent, short-haired dogs nearly went extinct during World War II. As their name suggests, German pinschers hail from southern Germany. The first German pinscher was registered in 1885. These intelligent, short-haired dogs nearly went extinct during World War II. Luckily, they were brought back by an industrious breeder named Werner Jung. Jung smuggled a […] Read More

The German shepherd, or Alsatian, as British dog lovers call them, is the second most popular dog breed in the United States. This working dog from the herding group features a luxurious double coat that can be anywhere from medium to long and comes in a variety of colors such as the traditional black and […] Read More

The German Sheppit inherits many traits from its parents that make it well-suited for police or guard work. The German Sheppit is a first-generation hybrid between two different breeds of dogs: a German Shepherd and a Pit Bull. The German Shepherd is a big herding dog that excels at many different tasks, including police work, […] Read More

The Labrador Retriever was originally bred to be an excellent swimmer. The German Sheprador may likewise inherit many traits that make it fast and agile in the water. The German Sheprador is an all-around excellent and obedient dog that nevertheless requires quite a lot of care and attention. It is the offspring of Labrador Retriever […] Read More

German Shorthaired Pointers are used by the Air Force, TSA, and other organizations to sniff out explosives. German Shorthaired Pointers are the result of German Breeders perfecting a bird dog. It took breeders multiple generations to mix different dog breeds to create the German Shorthaired Pointer. This breed is known for being a quick and […] Read More

Though they are believed to be bred from hunting and herding dog, the German Spitz is mostly a small companion breed nowadays. Forever loving and happy to see its owner, the German Spitz has all of the dense and thick fur that anyone could want. Available in several different colors, the German Spitz will act […] Read More

Gharial Classification and Evolution The gharial is a large sized reptile that is found inhabiting the murky waters of slow-moving rivers on the Indian subcontinent. Closely related to other crocodilians including crocodiles, alligators and caimans, gharials are animals that have existed on Earth for over 200 million years and have changed little in their evolution […] Read More

Ghost crabs are one of the most populous crab species in the world and are found on beaches from Oman to Polynesia to Australia to Florida to Egypt and Greece. They can be told from their boxy shape, their sometimes horned eyestalks, and the uneven size of their claws. They can move surprisingly quickly, and […] Read More

“The Giant African Land Snail is a big, tough, well-traveled snail” As its name suggests, the Giant African Land Snail is one of the largest snails in the world. Though it is native to East Africa, it has been introduced in many other places. In many of these places, it has, unfortunately, become something of […] Read More

The giant armadillo, also called tatou, ocarro and other names come by its common name honestly. It is a huge animal for its order, Cingulata, and can weigh well over 71 pounds and be over 3 feet long without the tail, which can add another 20 inches to its length. It also has a huge […] Read More

“A giant clam can weigh up to 550 pounds!” Giant clams grow to be about 4 feet in length. They live in the Indian and South Pacific Oceans. The exposed mantle, or soft tissue, of a giant clam, features a combination of colors and patterns that can include yellow, green, iridescent blue, and purple. This […] Read More

Giant Panda Bear Classification and Evolution The Giant Panda is a species of bear that is found in the mountains of central and western China. One of the most famous and easily identifiable animals in the world, the Giant Panda is also one of the rarest and is under immense threat in its natural environment, […] Read More

Though the sight or even the thought of a nearly six-foot-long salamander may be off-putting to some people, giant salamanders play a vital role in their ecosystems. The Chinese and Japanese giant salamanders are apex predators and keep the populations of other aquatic animals in balance. The health of the much smaller hellbender and Pacific […] Read More

Giant Schnauzers originated from the Bavarian Alps somewhere around the mid-1800s. They were bred from a standard Schnauzer to be a working dog to herd cattle from a farm to the market. Giant Schnauzers were also used as guard dogs, primarily for innkeepers, farmers, or merchants. Later, once railroads were built and make it unnecessary […] Read More

Both of the Giant Schnoodle’s parent breeds are working dogs that are used to a lot of exercise. Your dog might be a bit introverted, but don’t let that fool you – these dogs need plenty of time to walk, run, and play with their families. The Giant Schnoodle is a popular designer dog that’s […] Read More

“The fastest-moving tree-dwelling mammal” Gibbons are tree-dwelling apes that live in Asia and Indonesia. Also known as lesser apes as distinct from great apes, gibbons are quick and agile, brachiating through the treetops at speeds up to 35 miles per hour (56 kph). There are 18 distinct species of this arboreal, or tree-dwelling, mammal, including […] Read More

The Gila Monster is the largest lizard in the United States! The Gila monster is not just the largest lizard in the United States, it’s one of four North American lizards that are venomous. The others are species of Mexican beaded lizards that are found in Guatemala and Mexico. Despite its venom, the Gila monster […] Read More

Giraffe Classification and Evolution The Giraffe is a long-necked, hoofed mammal that is natively found grazing in the open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. The Giraffe is the tallest living animal on land and despite its height is mostly closely related to the much smaller and solitary Okapi, that is found elusively dwelling in the dense […] Read More

“If you had a living glass frog in a high school biology class, you would not have to dissect it to see its internal organs.” Glass frogs are a beautiful, exotic frog that is found in southern Mexico, Central America, and South America. Other exotic animals and fish found in this area are the caiman […] Read More

“The glass lizard has no legs but is not a snake, making it a unique and interesting member of the reptile kingdom.” The glass lizard is a legless reptile that’s native to North America. This intelligent lizard dominates everywhere between the rocky beaches of Florida to the grassy expanses of the Midwest. Hidden in these […] Read More

The Glechon is a new breed on the scene, but one that is combined from two more well-known breeds: the beagle and the Bichon Frise. As an intelligent and fun-loving dog, they are well suited for both families and individuals seeking that perfect companion. Don’t underestimate this dog, however, because they are also known to […] Read More

The Glen of Imaal was nicknamed the Turnspit Dog, because they were sometimes used in a mechanical contraption that turned meat over an open fire. The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a tough but fun-loving dog, built for the rough terrain of the Irish valley that bears its name. Growing up in the hills of […] Read More

Glow worms are a group of light-producing insects that emit a brilliant glow. Many people appreciate their strange ethereal beauty, but there are a lot of misconceptions and confusion about what this insect actually is. For a start, the name itself is a huge misnomer. It is not really a worm at all. Instead, glow […] Read More

The goat is a type of ungulate (a hoofed animal) with big horns and a distinguished beard. Traversing some of the most rugged and forbidden terrains in the entire world, the goat is an expert mountaineer and climber. Its astonishing ability to ascend steep cliffs and other vertical surfaces have few other comparisons in the […] Read More

Goberians are smart and healthy, alert, and make good watchdogs. They make great family pets and are known to have floppy ears. The Goberian is a mixed breed, combining the genetics of a Siberian Husky and a Golden Retriever for a hybrid pup. Due to the combination of the two breeds, these dogs are friendly […] Read More

The Goblin Shark, which is sometimes referred to as a living fossil, is a type of shark that is found in the deep sea. This unique-looking shark is easily identified by its long snout, protruding jaws, and semitranslucent skin. Goblin Sharks have been found in all three of the major oceans. Because they live so […] Read More

Goldadors can come in three colors: yellow/gold, black, and chocolate! Goldadors are a mix between golden retrievers and labradors, two of the most popular breeds in the world. They are more commonly known as a Golden Lab. They are loving and loyal dogs, making them among the most popular breeds of “designer dogs”. These are […] Read More

Golden doxes don’t have to be tiny. This breed looks different depending on whether the mix includes a regular dachshund or the mini version of the species. Golden doxes are one of the most popular designer dachshund crossbreeds available on the market. A golden dox is created by mixing a dachshund with a golden retriever. […] Read More

The golden lion tamarin is a small monkey native to the coastal Brazil. Sometimes called a golden marmoset, it has a long tail, reddish-gold fur, and a dramatic mane that frames its face. Due in part to a shrinking habitat, the golden lion tamarin population has dwindled dangerously near extinction, but intensive conservation efforts over […] Read More

“Golden masked owls have long legs and strong talons allowing them to scoop up rodents from the ground” The golden masked owl is known for its whitish/yellow heart-shaped face and large dark eyes. This owl is a carnivore eating small rodents, birds, insects, rabbits, and sometimes other owls. The feathers on its wings are designed […] Read More

A Golden Newfie is a hybrid and is a mix between the golden retriever and the Newfoundland dogs. These crossbreed dogs love swimming and are extremely patient with the children. The Golden Newfie is a handsome and confident dog. These dogs are a combination of golden retrievers and Newfoundland dogs. These hybrid dogs are sweet […] Read More

Golden Oriole Classification and Evolution The Golden Oriole (also known as the Eurasian Oriole), is a small species of Bird found throughout Europe and western Asia. The Golden Oriole’s name is thought to have arisen during the 18th century after the classical Latin word meaning gold. Although almost indistinguishable in appearance, some believe that the […] Read More

Despite the Golden Pyrenees’ tremendous size, it has been described as a gentle giant. A Golden Pyrenees is a mix between two purebreds: A Golden Retriever and a Great Pyrenees. This hybrid dog also called the Great Pytreiver, is relatively new to the dog world. It was bred to combine the best qualities of two […] Read More

Originating from the serene and picturesque hills of the Scottish Highlands, the golden retriever is the very epitome of loyalty and affection. The first major breeder was Dudley Marjoribanks, the Baron of Tweedmouth, who created the golden retriever in the 19th century by crossing a yellow retriever with the now-extinct tweed water spaniel, plus a […] Read More

Golden saints come in all kinds of colors. You can find them in tan, chocolate, yellow, brindle, spotted, and almost any other pattern you can think of. The golden saint is a designer crossbreed made by crossing a Saint Bernard with a golden retriever. These dogs are known for having a great temperament and being […] Read More

With its strong heritage, the Golden Shepherd makes for an excellent watchdog, service dog, and overall companion and friend. The Golden Shepherd is an eclectic mix between a Golden Retriever and a German Shepherd. Both breeds have a fascinating history. The Golden Retriever was originally bred in the Scottish Highlands as an exuberant gundog that […] Read More

The golden-crowned flying fox has a wingspan of up to five-and-a-half feet. The bat lives in the jungles of the Philippines, in colonies of up to 10,000 members. Though it has a large wingspan, this bat is small physically, with a body that measures between 7 and 11.4 inches long. The golden crowned flying fox […] Read More

Goldendoodles are a type of hybrid dog, though their pedigree sometimes earns them the name “designer dog.” They come from a blend of a golden retriever and a poodle and were bred so that the personality and temperament of both these dogs could be combined and brought forward. They are medium-sized and often have a […] Read More

“The Goliath Frog is the largest frog in the world!” The Goliath Frog is an endangered species of frog that lives exclusively in Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon in Africa. It can also be referred to as a goliath bullfrog or a giant slippery frog. This amphibian got its name due to its large size. These […] Read More

The goose is among a group of large waterfowls that resides in the Northern Hemisphere. This bird’s loud, aggressive behavior has become something of a running joke in modern media (epitomized by the popular action puzzle video game, Untitled Goose Game), but as a very caring parent, it is usually just trying to protect its […] Read More

“A gopher’s head looks twice as big when the pouches in its cheeks are stuffed with food” Gophers are rodents that live in North America and Central America. They are herbivorous animals that eat a variety of plants. Though these rodents are active in the daytime they stay mostly underground in tunnels. They are solitary […] Read More

“ The gopher tortoise is a real Keystone species” The gopher tortoise is quite an interesting animal. It is land-dwelling and spends most of its time underground in burrows. The front limbs are built for digging these burrows and do an excellent job at the excavation. It is the state tortoise of Florida. 5 Incredible […] Read More

The Gordon Setter is one of the slowest breeds to mature, hitting its prime at 3 years or older. The Gordon Setter, also called Black and Tan Setter, is the largest, heaviest breed of setters. It was originally developed in Scotland for bird hunting, using its scent to find game birds but without killing them, […] Read More

“The gorilla is one of the closest living relatives to humans.” The name gorilla actually refers to four different subspecies of animals. They share 98 percent of their DNA with humans, and they are smart enough to learn sign language and use tools. Gorillas are far from the wild, violent beasts portrayed in entertainment, and […] Read More

With one of the most striking plumages in the entire animal kingdom, the Gouldian finch almost looks like it was put together in patches. The head, breast, abdomen, and back all exhibit an elegant rainbow of different colors. It’s no surprise that this species is highly sought after in the pet trade. After decades of […] Read More

Grasshoppers comprise one of the oldest insect families on earth. The first grasshoppers probably appeared 250 million years ago during the Triassic period. They belong to the Arthropoda phylum, which includes other insects as well as spiders, scorpions, crabs, and their relatives. Phylum is a category that biologists slot living things into, and Arthropoda, which […] Read More

Grasshopper mice are rodents with big ears and big eyes. They are nocturnal and are closely related to deer mice. They are small and are usually only 120-190 mm in length. Adult grasshopper mice weigh about 20 to 50 grams.They got this name because they are not timid as mice usually are and are known […] Read More

The gray fox is a small, shy member of the canine family that likes to hide in shrubs and trees. This species may not be as well-known as its red-colored cousin, but it’s one of the most common species of foxes in North America. These animals are not usually seen by people because of their […] Read More

The gray tree frog is a common tree frog with versatile colors. The gray tree frog is a large species of tree frog that features many interesting colors despite its name. It can be found commonly in southeastern Canada and the eastern United States. The gray tree frog spends most of its life high in […] Read More

The Great Blue Heron is a large water bird found primarily in North America. They have beautiful plumage and an impressive wingspan size. Native people believe there is symbolism in seeing one of these birds. 4 Incredible Great Blue Heron facts! Some of the most interesting facts about Great Blue Herons are: These birds only […] Read More

Sometimes called “the Apollo of Dogs,” Great Danes are a giant German working breed that was originally developed by German nobles as a boarhound. Ranking at number 16 on the American Kennel Club’s most popular list, these gentle giants will steal your heart as well as your sofa. They have short, smooth coats that come […] Read More

Great Danoodles are descended from Great Danes, the tallest dogs in the world. Although they don’t always have the same height as their ancestors, Great Danoodles still have famously long legs and will tower over other Doodle dogs. Great Danes are incredibly popular dogs, and so are poodles. Because of this, it should come as […] Read More

Great Pyrenees have been around for centuries. They are likely descents of guardian dogs that were in Asia Minor around 10,000 b.c. Around the year 3,000 b.c, nomadic shepherds went to the Pyrenees mountains and brought their guarding dogs with them. This was likely the beginning of the Great Pyrenees breed. Great Pyrenees are very […] Read More

Great White Shark Classification and Evolution The Great White Shark is a large species of shark found mainly found inhabiting the temperate and tropical coastal waters worldwide. They are the largest predatory fish species in the world known to grow to lengths of 8 meters or more and weighing over 2 tonnes. Great White Sharks […] Read More

Being a strong draft breed, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is powerful and large in size. These dogs are covered in double coats, featuring an undercoat that is thick and an outer coat that is dense. The coat is about 1-1.5 inches long. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is incredibly animated, showing exactly how they […] Read More

The green anole is the only anole that is native to the United States and is one of the best reptiles for first-time reptile owners. The small lizard is native to Georgia and South Carolina, found in the Southeastern United States from Florida to Texas along with the Caribbean islands. It is an arboreal species […] Read More

The green bee-eater, or little green bee-eater, is one of the smallest birds in the bee-eater family. It is known for its small size, unique sound, slender body, and bright plumage as well as for being one of the most beautiful birds. It is found in a variety of wooded areas throughout sub-Saharan Africa, western […] Read More

The green frog is known for being one of the least picky eaters and will consume just about any insect or animal that it can swallow. One of the most common frogs native to the eastern states and parts of Canada, the green frog can be found just about anywhere there is a body of […] Read More

“Two different amphibians are called Green Tree Frog!” Among the more than 800 tree frog species in the world, two share the moniker “green tree frog.” The Australian green tree frog measures approximately 4 inches long, and its back is a bright jade green, while the American green tree frog measures approximately 2.5 inches long, […] Read More

The Greenland Dog, aka the Greenland Husky, is a medium to large working dog breed valued for its strength, speed, and toughness in drawing sleds, racing, and hunting. The Spitz-type dog and rare, genetically distinct husky has a strong, powerful body and thick fur. Although it is identical to the Canadian Eskimo Dog, it is […] Read More

“The Greenland shark is considered the Methuselah of Sharks.” The Greenland shark, called eqalussuaq by the Inuit people is famous for living to a great age. Biologists believe that this large, slow fish can live to be half a millennia old. Its longevity probably has something to do with the fact that it does everything […] Read More

“The Grey Mouse Lemur is a mouse-like primate with a powerful nose and big jump.” Grey mouse lemurs, also called lesser mouse lemurs, are among the smallest primate species in the entire world. Even though their size, color and body shape is reminiscent of a common mouse, they are very different than rodents in physiology […] Read More

Grey reef sharks are voracious marine predators that prefer shallow waters and are among the most common sharks found in coral reef habitats throughout the Indo-Pacific region. They share many characteristics with other reef shark species, including a wide, circular snout positioned directly in front of relatively large eyes. While they have many classic features […] Read More

“A grey seal can dive 1,500 feet below the surface of the ocean and stay under for an hour.” A grey seal is one of the rarest species of seal alive today. They can adapt to life on a coastline but go to the ocean when hunting for food. These seals can live from 25 […] Read More

The greyhound is the fastest breed of dog, and retired racing greyhounds make for calm and sweet pets. The greyhound has the highest percentage of fast-twitch muscle of any breed. In spite of this reputation, retired racing greyhounds make for calm and sweet pets. It is also called the English greyhound to avoid confusion with […] Read More

It’s not uncommon for Griffonshire adults to be mistaken for puppies due to their small size. Breed a Brussels Griffon with a Yorkshire Terrier and you have a puppy called a Griffonshire. Griffonshires were first bred in the decade of the 1980s. These small dogs possess some of the best qualities of each of their […] Read More

The Grizzly Bear–A Misunderstood Creature The Grizzly bear is a type of brown bear that was once plentiful in the western and northwestern United States. The animal is also known as the North American Brown Bear. The name “grizzly” comes from the light tips on the bear’s fur, which gives it a grizzled or silvery […] Read More

Although developed as a herding dog, the breed makes an excellent guard and working dog and is used by police forces and the military. The Groenendael is one of four breeds that originated in Belgium. Instantly recognized by his pricked ears and luxurious black coat, the breed is well suited for many activities and makes […] Read More

“Unlike other marmots, they prefer low-lying areas.” The groundhog is a large lowland rodent that’s found throughout most of the United States. and Canada. Like all rodents, they are curious, intelligent animals who can survive in a variety of environments. They belong to a group of ground squirrels known as marmots. Other names for this […] Read More

A bird species with feathers on nostrils, legs, and feet! Grouse are medium sized, stocky birds that live in the Northern Hemisphere. Their feathers closely resemble their habitat. This plumage provides them with camouflage and helps them survive. Grouse are birds that are closely related to chickens, turkeys and pheasants. About eight million of these […] Read More

The guinea fowl is a family of ground-feeding birds that resembles a turkey or a pheasant. It’s often seen roaming around the plains of Africa and picking at the ground for food. The guinea fowl family consists of around seven to 10 species, each with its own unique appearances and behaviors. Together they fill a […] Read More

Guinea Pig Classification and Evolution The Guinea Pig (also known as a Cavy) is a small species of rodent that is found inhabiting the Central Andes Mountains in South America. Named after Guyana where they are found in the wild and “pig” resembling their short and stout bodies, Guinea Pigs have been domesticated by people […] Read More

The Guppy fish, with their colorful designs and feathery tailfins, are favorites with people who keep freshwater aquariums. Guppies are tiny tropical fish that live throughout the world. They are sometimes called rainbow fish or millionfish. There are 276 species of guppy that belong to the Poeciliidae family. 3 Incredible Guppy Facts! The millionfish: Guppies […] Read More