The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the palm tree family (Arecaceae) and the only living species of the genus Cocos. The term “coconut” (or the archaic “cocoanut”) can refer to the whole coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit, which botanically is a drupe, not a nut. The name comes from the old Portuguese word coco, meaning “head” or “skull”, after the three indentations on the coconut shell that resemble facial features. They are ubiquitous in coastal tropical regions and are a cultural icon of the tropics.
It is one of the most useful trees in the world and is often referred to as the “tree of life”. It provides food, fuel, cosmetics, folk medicine and building materials, among many other uses. The inner flesh of the mature seed, as well as the coconut milk extracted from it, form a regular part of the diets of many people in the tropics and subtropics. Coconuts are distinct from other fruits because their endosperm contains a large quantity of clear liquid, called coconut water or coconut juice. Mature, ripe coconuts can be used as edible seeds, or processed for oil and plant milk from the flesh, charcoal from the hard shell, and coir from the fibrous husk. Dried coconut flesh is called copra, and the oil and milk derived from it are commonly used in cooking – frying in particular – as well as in soaps and cosmetics. Sweet coconut sap can be made into drinks or fermented into palm wine or coconut vinegar. The hard shells, fibrous husks and long pinnate leaves can be used as material to make a variety of products for furnishing and decoration.
The coconut has cultural and religious significance in certain societies, particularly in the Western Pacific Austronesian cultures where it features in the mythologies, songs, and oral traditions. It also had ceremonial importance in pre-colonial animistic religions. It has also acquired religious significance in South Asian cultures, where it is used in Hindu rituals. It forms the basis of wedding and worship rituals in Hinduism. It also plays a central role in the Coconut Religion of Vietnam. The falling nature of their mature fruit has led to preoccupation with death by coconut.
Coconuts were first domesticated by the Austronesian peoples in Island Southeast Asia and were spread during the Neolithic via their seaborne migrations as far east as the Pacific Islands, and as far west as Madagascar and the Comoros. They played a critical role in the long sea voyages of Austronesians by providing a portable source of food and water, as well as providing building materials for Austronesian outrigger boats. Coconuts were also later spread in historic times along the coasts of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans by South Asian, Arab, and European sailors. Coconut populations today can still be divided into two based on these separate introductions – the Pacific coconuts and Indo-Atlantic coconuts, respectively. Coconuts were introduced by Europeans to the Americas only during the colonial era in the Columbian exchange, but there is evidence of a possible pre-Columbian introduction of Pacific coconuts to Panama by Austronesian sailors. The evolutionary origin of the coconut is under dispute, with theories stating that it may have evolved in Asia, South America, or on Pacific islands. Trees grow up to 30 m (100 ft) tall and can yield up to 75 fruits per year, though fewer than 30 is more typical. Plants are intolerant of cold weather and prefer copious precipitation, as well as full sunlight. Many insect pests and diseases affect the species and are a nuisance for commercial production. About 75% of the world’s supply of coconuts is produced by Indonesia, the Philippines, and India combined.
Username: Bongsong Published on 2024-10-07 03:06:44 ID NUMBER: 122412
One of the largest trees native to North America, the tulip tree is named for its cup-shaped orange, yellow, and green flowers that appear in late spring. The flowers are followed by dry, cone-shaped brown fruits. Its bright green leaves turn golden yellow in fall. For a smaller cultivar, look for 'Little Volunteer', which grows up to 35 feet tall.
Elephant shrews, also called jumping shrews or sengis, are small mammals from Africa. These mammals are very tiny, only 20-30 cm long. They also have short, firm, and sleek fur like rodents. But, depending on the type, their hair can be black, grey, brown, white, tan, or golden colored. Their peculiar long nose lends a quirkiness to these small, fuzzy mammals. Elephant Shrews get their name from their long, pointed head and very long, trunk-like noses. It is one of the fastest small mammals. Even though they look a lot like mice, elephant shrews are not rodents. They’re not even shrews! They are mostly related to a group of African mammals that consist of sea cows, aardvarks, and elephants!
Sea otters are native to the Northern coast of the Pacific Ocean. About 90% of the world’s sea otters live in Alaska. It has a small, round face with a large nose and eyes and a tendency to float on its back in an adorable position, which makes them some of the cutest animals in the world. Even though their cuteness has a lot to do with their features, it is their demeanor which is most attractive to people. Sea otters regularly hold each other’s hands while they sleep. This is a survival mechanism that keeps them together so they don’t drift apart, but for humans, this is just an adorable behavior on display. Sea otters are overloaded with cuteness!
The Fennec fox is the world’s smallest canid in the world. With their tiny, delicate, cute baby face, furry paws, and huge ears they are the cutest animals ever. It is a small species of fox, native to the Sahara Desert and the Sinai Peninsula. These foxes have large ears in comparison to their body size which adds to their cuteness factor making them look more like a cartoon than an animal. They are highly adapted to the desert environment, thanks to their ears. Its enormous ears help it lose heat which helps it to maintain a cooler temperature in hot climates. Fennec foxes are in abundance and thereby are listed as “least concern” for the conservation status.
A pika is an adorable small, mountain-dwelling mammal found in Asia and North America. They are known for carrying around small bunches of flowers to eat during the winter. They look like chipmunks but are actually a part of the rabbit family. Its small size, stubby limbs, round ears, and cute waddle makes the pika one of the cutest animals in the world. The cuteness of this small adorable mammal went on to be the inspiration for the popular Pokémon character ‘Pikachu.’
The hedgehog is a round and spiny forager native to Africa. They can be wonderful pets, but they are nocturnal and often sleep a lot during the day. They tend to get frightened very easily and will roll up into a prickly ball when startled. Despite their sharp quills, these low-maintenance cuties have gained a lot of popularity as pets. Hedgehogs are cute, delightful, and quiet animals. Due to their spines, hedgehogs aren’t very cuddly animals. However, they are very friendly and lively pets. They are very social, especially if they’re handled regularly from a young age. It is undoubtedly one of the cutest animals on earth.
Quokka are small marsupials who belong to the same family as kangaroos and wallabies, native to southwestern Australia. Quokkas are herbivores who primarily feed at night, in the sense they are mainly nocturnal. It is also known as the short-tailed scrub wallaby. They are widely known for their distinct facial expressions and it looks like they’re saying cheese when they pose for their fans from across the world! Quokkas are very much loved for their expressions for which they are also known as the happiest animals in the world. If you’re in need of an instant smile then just Google “quokka selfies.” But while they are uncontrollably cute, they shouldn’t be interacted with in the wild, because they are currently listed as endangered and are in need of protection.
The Meerkat is a cat-like mongoose, native to Southern Africa. Its big eyes, extremely adorable playful face, brown-striped fur along with its vertical, two-legged posture makes it one of the cutest animals in the world. They live in large packs of up to 30 individuals and have a bizarre survival instinct. The Meerkat babies often receive an “aww” response from most of their visitors. The Meerkats are so cute that they even had their own TV show, ‘Meerkat Mansion.’
The red panda, also known as the lesser panda, is a small mammal indigenous to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. It’s a cross between a fox, a giant panda, and a raccoon—a mixture of all of the cutest elements of each. Their thick red fur, bushy fuzzy tails, and small size make them the most cutest animals. These pandas generally grow to the size of a house cat. Due to its short front legs, this mammal is widely known for its cute waddle. Sadly, they are endangered species despite their widespread appeal. Red pandas are perhaps the cutest animals in existence.
There’s nothing more that can give you as much joy as looking at pics of cute animals. If you’re looking to relieve a little stress, the cute creatures radiating all their best vibrations and warmth is sure to bring a smile to your face. The fuzziness, chubbiness, and sweetness of these adorable animals will make you fall in love all over again. Join us for a dose of happiness with our list of the cutest and most adorable animals on this planet.
The world of cute animals captivates people of all ages. From furry pets to wild creatures, adorable animals have a unique way of bringing joy and warmth into our lives. Whether it’s the fluffy fur, big round eyes, or playful nature, these adorable creatures leave a lasting impression on us. This article will dive deep into the various types of cute animalss, what makes them so charming, and why they hold such a special place in our hearts.
So if cute faces and noises hold others’ attention, it might be to our advantage to stay cute. The evolutionary process where juvenile features in an ancestor are retained into adulthood in a descendant is called neoteny. This means as an animal gets older, it still looks young by keeping juvenile features perceived as cute throughout its life, such as bigger eyes, shorter snouts in domesticated dogs, gills in the axolotl salamander, and playful behavior. (The bigger eyes and playful behavior is true for humans, too!)
If you’ve ever spent a little longer than you probably should watching video after video of animals doing adorable things, there’s good news: you don’t have to feel guilty because looking at cute animals is actually good for you!
Baby Seal Fun Facts:
Baby seals, or ‘pups,’ have a special call for their mommy, which she can instantly recognize!
Baby seals can hold their breath for up to two hours underwater. They can even take quick naps underwater!
Baby Sloth Fun Facts:
Baby sloths poop just once a week; that’s it!
Caring for twins is difficult, so mommy sloth abandons the weaker twin and only cares for the stronger of the two!
Baby Owl Fun Facts:
Baby owls can imprint on humans. So, the ones in rehabilitation are fed while taking precautions by the rescuers!
Owlets leave their nests within six weeks from birth.
Lamb Fun Facts:
If the mother senses that her baby lamb will die, she can abandon it to save her milk for the healthier ones.
Lambs might cry during the night if they get scared or can’t find their mommy
Baby Octopus Fun Facts:
Baby octopuses are supposed to be so smart that they can play with toys or even solve puzzles!
After baby octopuses hatch, their mother and father usually die shortly afterward. That’s because taking care of the eggs exhausts the parents, leaving them too weak to survive for long.
Baby Panda Fun Facts:
Baby pandas start eating bamboo after they are six months old!
Since baby pandas are highly dependent on their mommy, the mother might abandon the weaker one and care for the stronger one if she delivers twins.