The animal kingdom is full of surprising facts and unusual little creatures. From animals without a brain to animals who mimic their surroundings, their abilities are more than just fascinating.
In today’s list, I’m going to introduce you to 11 animals that can survive and adapt to extreme temperatures, whether in the sandy desert or the cold Arctic!
1. Thorny Lizard
We’re starting the list with one of the most unusual lizards in the animal kingdom. The Thorny Lizard got its name from the numerous spikes and horn-like scales covering its body.
This lizard can reach nearly 9 inches in length and has a lifespan of up to 20 years! Its natural habitat is the desert where in summer the temperatures can reach up to 104 Fahrenheit. However, at night the temperature in the desert can drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit!
2. Arctic Fox
From the scorching desert to the Arctic, the next on our list is the gorgeous Arctic Fox also known as the Polar Fox. With its white and fluffy fur, this fox chose the icy-cold environment as its home.
To live in one of the harshest climates on our planet, these little creatures had to adapt. In the winter, they grow a thick winter coat that helps them regulate their body temperature once the temperatures go down to -50 degrees Fahrenheit!
3. Beluga Whale
Did you know that Beluga Whales also live in one of the coldest places on Earth? Their natural habitat is the Arctic Ocean and the surrounding seas across the Northern Hemisphere.
With the water temperature being as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit, Beluga whales enjoy these waters! They have a thick layer of fat known as blubber, which helps regulate their body temperature and makes swimming in icy waters much easier!
4. Camel
Let’s get back to the desert and warm ourselves up, shall we? Another amazing animal from our list is the camel!
The camel amazingly adapted to its environment, with shaggy fur keeping them warm on cold desert nights. However, once summer hits they simply shed this fur to survive the scorching heat.
5. Himalayan Jumping Spider
Jumping spiders recently gained popularity, as more and more people have them as pets! However, did you know that Jumping spiders are known as the highest-known resident on Earth? They make their home 22,000 feet above sea level—amazing, right?
Surprisingly, the Himalayan Jumping spider has no obvious signs of adaptations, so how they survive in the harsh mountains remains unknown.
6. Emperor Penguin
The Emperor Penguin is found only in the Southern Hemisphere, a region known as one of the most uninhabitable places on Earth. Yet, Emperor Penguins thrive there!
They live on floating platforms of ice connected to larger ice shelves. With two thick layers of feathers, short beaks, small flippers to reduce heat loss, and a thick layer of fat, they’re well-equipped to survive in such harsh, cold environments.
7. Arctic Tern
If you haven’t heard about this bird before, you’re in for a treat! This stunning bird lives in the two harshest places on Earth – the Arctic and the Antarctic! However, the Arctic Tern migrates from one place to another and only enjoys the summer on both continents.
Clever bird, right? Another interesting fact about the Arctic Tern is that they let the wind carry them instead of simply flying. So while they’re ‘gliding’ through the air they even manage to take a nap!
8. Jerboa
Jerboa, a small hopping rodent with huge ears and a long tail, lives in the scorching desert. But how does this little creature survive such harsh conditions? By burrowing!
To escape the heat and freezing night temperatures, Jerboas burrow themselves underground.
9. Caribou
This magnificent creature lives in the coldest parts of our Earth. Their thick fur keeps them warm, but more importantly, when temperatures drop significantly, caribou migrate to slightly warmer habitats, which helps them survive.
10. Desert Tortoise
The Desert Tortoise is a perfect example of adaptation to extreme temperatures. Living deep in the desert, this tortoise burrows underground to escape the heat of the day and the cold of the desert night.
It can go days without eating and can store water in its bladder! Fascinating, right?
11. Tube Worms
Ending the list with one of the strangest creatures ever. The Tube Worm is a deep-sea creature that lives near hydrothermal vents that blast out hot water which can reach up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit!
However, once this hot water blast combines with the cold deep-sea water, it creates a nice, pleasant temperature for the Tube Worm.