There are so many types and species of insects that they are the largest group of animals to inhabit our planet. Insects are a diverse group of arthropods and include among others ants, butterflies, caterpillars, fleas, bees, and ladybugs. Although we think of some insects as pests, all kinds of insects have an important role in our ecosystem.

Guppies are a type of freshwater tropical fish that are very easy to care for in aquariums. One of the attractions of keeping guppies in a fish tank is that they come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and patterns. Some ornamental species of guppies have showy tails, fancy types of guppies have brightly colored bodies, and some have striking tiger-like patterns.

Butterflies are one of the most graceful and beautiful types of flying insects you will find in your garden. All types of butterflies are beneficial insects because they pollinate flowers and feed on common garden pests. Most people are familiar with the monarch butterfly. However, there are some 18,500 species of butterflies in the world that come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. From the many thousands of butterfly species in the world, about 700 are native to North America.

Birds are a class of animal that can be identified as having wings, beaks, feathers, and laying hard-shelled eggs. Some types of birds such as hummingbirds are tiny and can be as small as 2” (5 cm). At the other end of the scale, large flightless birds such as ostriches can be as tall as 9 ft. (2.75 m). All species of birds play an important role in their native habitats, and many people like to keep domestic birds as pets.

Many types of birds can make wonderful pets and long-time companions. Popular pet birds come in all different sizes to suit most types of homes. Small pet birds like finches, canaries, parakeets, and lovebirds are friendly low maintenance birds. They are also the best kinds of pet birds for beginners and apartments. Larger pet parrots, cockatiels, and cockatoos also make great household pet birds but take more care and attention.

If you are setting up your first freshwater aquarium, it can be a challenge to know what tropical fish to buy. There are many types of ornamental and exotic freshwater fish that are perfect for beginners. Some of the easiest-to-care-for freshwater aquarium fish are tetras, swordtails, cool-looking betas, mollies and goldfish. Even among these species of freshwater fish, it’s important to make sure the fish are compatible.

There are many varieties of cool and unique fish you can have in a freshwater aquarium. Many types of freshwater tropical fish have large showy fins, bright colorful patterns, and look exotic. Some of the coolest fish for a freshwater aquarium are bettas, gouramis, angelfish, and rainbow fish. Many species of tropical freshwater fish are also easy to look after.

Tropical rainforests contain rich biodiversity of animals and plants, many of which are unique to these ecosystems. Animals in tropical rainforests can be as diverse as exotic birds, colorful frogs, large insects, and large cats. Rainforest plants such as large trees, beautiful orchids, strange-looking flowers, and tasty fruits just add to the rainforest biome.

Sharks are among the largest types of fish that inhabit the oceans of the world. Species of sharks such as the whale shark, basking shark, and great white shark can outsize other fish by many meters. Some types of shark are quite small species of fish. Most types of sharks are fearless hunters that top of the oceans’ food chain. Although the names of some sharks such as the “great white” can instill fear, many species of sharks are placid, calm fish.

Stingrays are some of the most majestic and fascinating fish in the oceans and seas. With their broad pectoral fins, flat round shape, and long tails they seem to effortlessly glide through water. Most species of stingrays are found in tropical and subtropical marine environments. However, some types of sea rays live in colder waters, and there are also freshwater stingrays.