Animals’ Struggle for Survival

The chilly autumn morning was not a deterrent to the voracious appetite of the musk oxen in the
tundras of Northern Canada. They were all grazing on space grass around the area, unmindful of the
approaching danger. They had to fatten themselves for the forthcoming winter when food would
become scarce.

Luckily, one of the musk oxen raised its head and caught the quiet approach of imminent danger.
Wolves were slowly moving towards the herd. The ox made a peculiar sound and the rest of the oxen
became alarmed. They started to circle their young, each one facing away from the center. The wolves
stopped and starred at the musk oxen. The long haired animals, with their download – curving horns
looked so threatening. Slowly, the wolves turned away. This confrontation scene between the pack of
wolves and the heard of musk oxen is a typical example of how animals behave in the face of danger, an
act of survival.

Living the Earth is a great struggle not only for human beings but for animals as well. Just like people,
animals have basic needs that must be fulfilled too. In order to survive; they must have food, water and
shelter.

Let us focus on the issue of food. A great number of these animals are predators. They hunt for food.
The problem is that animals are not only predators but prey too. They eat the animals, but they also end
up being eaten by others too! Worms are eaten by chicks, chicks are preyed upon by hawks, and hawks
are eaten by mountain lions, tigers and so on.

Fortunately, most animals have defense mechanisms that can help them survive and preserve their
species. One of them in the use of special body parts. Who will dare challenge the sharp teeth and
powerful jaws of tigers and lions? And who will dare feast on the rock – hard carapace of a turtle, a
perfect hideaway for its head, limbs and tail? The horns of bulls, caribous, elephants, and goats are
powerful tools for combat. The claws of eagles, bears and even domesticated cats are fatal weapons,
too, once put into use. The three – banded armadillo, which means “the armored one” has a body casing
for protection. It coils into a tight ball once threatened.

Another effective form of animal defense is camouflage. The spots and colors of leopards, cheetahs,
snakes and butterflies can match their surroundings. The chameleon is a master of this disguise.

Some animals have unusual behavioral defenses. Some lizards ward off their enemies by breaking off
their tails. While the tail twitches, the lizard escapes! The tail grows back after a few days. Ca you
imagine that?

Some animals are like Halloween characters. The horned lizard is a “zombie”. It plays dead when
threatened. The worst part is it squirts blood from its eyes that can confuse the attacker the opossum
deserves the “Best Zombie Actor” award. It drops dead, with mouth open, teeth bared and releases a
rancid smelling green liquid from its anal glands.

No one would like to be around some animals known for the foul smell they produce. On top of the list
is the skunk. If the musk spay directly hits the opponent, the victim will suffer from temporary blindness.
A sea bird called fulmar is famous for its horrible smell. Fulmar chicks vomit smelly oil from its stomach
that sticks to the predators’ feathers, which become matted, and can lead to their death.
The aforementioned animals’ defense mechanisms are just some of the ways animals protect
themselves from their enemies. Indeed do you not find these animals truly amazing?