• Reading room tales of animal sidekicks

Tales of animal sidekicks

Have you heard about the fish that cleans the shark’s teeth? Or the frog that’s roomies with the tarantula? How about the sloths that wear algae raincoats or the crabs that wear urchins as hats?

Welcome to the weird world of symbiosis – a place where animal and plants form incredible relationships!

In this series, we’ll introduce to you to some weird but remarkably wonderful animal pairs, from friendly alliances to pesky parasites. Along the way we’ll explain the cool science behind the sometimes baffling bahaviour!

The Tarantula and the Frog

Most animals want nothing to do with each other. Creatures of all kinds tend to stick to their own. However, you’re going to read about a few peculiar pairs. Ever thought a frog could be roomies with a Tarantula?

English version
Afrikaans version

Tales of animal sidekicks - The Hippo and the Terrapins

Ever wondered why the cheeky terrapins catch a free ride on the back of a giant hippo? Read all about this friendly relationship in our story today.

English version
Afrikaans version

The Zebras and the Ostriches

Symbiosis includes much more than happy pals: it can be any long interaction between two species. Meet the Zebras and Ostriches, the Chimps and the Fruit Tress and, the Cows and the Egrets.

English version
Afrikaans version

The Oxpeckers and the Rhinos

Oxpeckers land on rhinos or zebras and eat ticks and other parasites that live on their skin. The oxpeckers get food and the beasts get pest control. Now that’s what we call a win-win situation for all!

English version
Afrikaans version

The Skua and the Puffin

When it comes to the Skua and the Puffins, Snails and Hermit Crabs and, the Bees and the flowers, team work really does make dream work! Learn about how these marvellous pairs work together side by side to make incredible teams!

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Afrikaans version

The Honeyguide and the Humans

These baffling pairs remind us of the wonderful things that happen when different kinds of critters come together. Read on to find out how even our own species, the Humans, make an incredible team with the Honeyguides!

English version
Afrikaans version

The Crayfish and the Worms

This story looks at a few more unusual cases of Symbiosis like, the Crayfish and the Worms, the Elephant and the Lily and, the Grouper and the Octopus. This just goes to show that even superheros need sidekicks!

English version
Afrikaans version

The Woolly Bat and the Pitcher Plant

We are constantly interacting with other organisms. These interactions include our families, teachers, friends, pets and even blood sucking vampires and plants! This story is about these amazing partnerships.

English version
Afrikaans version

The Cuckoo and the Reed Warbler

Mongeese and Warthogs make an unusual pair of besties while plants and animals make excellent teams, and here’s why!

English version
Afrikaans version

The Vampire Bats and the Pigs

While much of the world sleeps, vampire bats emerge from dark caves, mines, tree hollows and abandoned buildings. Unlike other species of bats, vampire bats can walk, run and jump, which helps them attach to their prey. Read on to find out how pigs benefit from this unlikely friendship.

English version
Afrikaans version

The Crab Spiders and the Flowers

Read about one organism having a close relationship with a different organism altogether, and how they can benefit from each other.

English version
Afrikaans version

The Tortoise and the Beetle

The North American tortoise is lucky enough to have a live-in cleaner. A little beetle resides in the gopher tortoise’s den and eats its poo! Sounds strange, but it’s a great deal for both parties.

English version
Afrikaans version

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