50 | May• 2019BUMBLEBEES
SIXTH SENSE
A bumblebee generates a positive
electrical charge as it flaps its wings
and transfers some of the charge to a
flower when it lands. Thanks to a 2013
study in the journalScience, experts
now know that when bees detect
a change in a f lower’s charge, they
avoid the flower, sensing that another
bee has recently removed its pollen.PEREGRINE FALCONS
LIGHTNING SPEED
Move over, cheetahs. Peregrine fal-
cons have been clocked at speeds of
626.8 km/h, making the black and
grey birds the fastest members of
the animal kingdom. Diving towards
prey, peregrines tuck their wings
into their bodies, creating an aero-
dynamic teardrop shape perfect for
quickly striking unassuming birds
and small mammals.SLOTHS
SURVIVE DEADLY WOUNDS
Three-toed sloths may not move very
fast, but their speedy recovery from
wounds that would kill other ani-
mals have made them the focus of
scientific research.
Some experts believe that the
scores of beneficial bacteria that live
in a sloth’s fur help them heal unusu-
ally quickly and without infection.REINDEERS
SUPER VISION
Reindeers have a unique ability to
see ultraviolet light which allows
them to forage better for food and
avoid predators in the harsh Arctic
landscape.
Their primary winter food source,
lichens, and the fur of their main
predator, the wolf, both absorb U V
light, so they stand out against the
UV-reflecting snow.Amazing Animal
SUPER
POWERS
ANIMAL KINGDOM
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES