Animals are a major group of multicellular organisms, of the kingdom Animalia, also known as Metazoa. Their body plan becomes fixed as they develop, usually early on in their development as embryos, although some undergo a process of metamorphosis later in their life. Most animals are motile, meaning they can move spontaneously and independently. The word "animal" comes from the Latin word animal, of which animalia is the plural, which in turn is derived from anima, meaning "vital breath" or "soul". In colloquial usage, the word "animal" usually refers to non-human animals. However, the word "animal", by biological definition, more correctly refers to all members of Regnum Animalia, including humans. Selected article of the month The cheetah ( Acinonyx jubatus) is an atypical member of the cat family ( Felidae) that is unique in its speed, while lacking climbing abilities. The species is the only living member of the genus Acinonyx. It is the fastest land animal, reaching speeds between 112 and 120 km/h (70 and 75 mph) in short bursts covering distances up to 460 m (1,500 ft), and has the ability to accelerate from 0 to 103 km/h (64 mph) in three seconds, faster than most supercars. Recent studies confirm the cheetah's status as the fastest land animal.
Selected animal of the month The ferret is a domestic mammal of the type Mustela putorius furo. Ferrets are sexually dimorphic predators with males being substantially larger than females. They typically have brown, black, white, or mixed fur, have an average length of approximately 20 inches (51 cm) including a 5 inch (13 cm) tail, weigh about 1.5–4 pounds (0.7–2 kg), and have a natural lifespan of 7 to 10 years. They are kept as pets all around the world.
Selected quote of the month "Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms" | 
| Here are some Open Tasks : - Copyedit: Dog
- Improve: Animal, Zoology, Invertebrate, Vertebrate, Ethology, Photoperiodism, Tool use by animals, Omnivore
- Requests: Cultural transmission in animals
Mammals: Junqueira cow, Jarkov Mammoth, Townsend's big-eared baty
Invertebrates: Vargula hilgendorfii (also known as the "Sea firefly"), Echiniscus testudo, Sphaerium beckmani (a species in family Sphaeriidae)
Fishes: Cyclothone, Spotted sucker, Vinciguerria lucetia, Trichonotidae
Amphibians: Gobi Desert Toad, Nightfrog - Expand: Atka mackerel, Wholphin, Barrow Ground Squirrel, Hatchling, Personal grooming
- Nominate and vote: Science collaboration of the month, Article Improvement Drive, WikiProject Animals Collaboration
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Carnivores A carnivore, meaning 'meat eater', is an animal that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of vertebrate and/or invertebrate animal tissue, whether through predation or scavenging. Animals that depend solely on animal flesh for their nutrient requirements are considered obligate carnivores while those that also consume non-animal food are considered facultative carnivores. A carnivore that sits at the top of the foodchain is an apex predator.
- ...a ferret will yawn if picked up by the scruff of its neck?
- ...the roar of an adult male lion (pictured) can be heard up to eight kilometres away?
- ...a leopard can carry three times its own body weight up a tree?
- ...cheetahs cannot roar; instead they pur and hiss?
- ...a polar bear can weigh as much as 700 kilograms?
| WikiProject Animals | - Other Animal WikiProjects
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