Why do horses sleep standing up?

Horses sleep standing up because they are a prey animals they need to be able to get away from any dangerous situation quickly. A horse that is laying down cannot get up and run from danger nearly as quickly as a horse that is standing. Horses also sleep standing up for the most part because they are so heavy that laying down for an extended period of time puts significant pressure on the tissues on the backward side of the horse and can lead to tissue damage and tissue death. Horses do need to lay down to sleep for about 45 minutes a day in order to achieve sleep and remain well-rested, but they tend to do this at times and in places where they feel very safe. Horses who are in unfamiliar or scare of surroundings or cannot lay down due to a health issue can actually become sleep deprived if they are not comfortable enough to lay down. (Wiki Answers)

Why do ostriches stick their head in a hole?

This tale originates from the fact that the male ostrich will dig a large hole in the sand for the nest / eggs. Predators cannot see the eggs across the land which gives the nest a little protection. The hen as well as the rooster takes turns setting on the eggs and because of the indention in the ground, usually just blend into the horizon. All birds turn their eggs several times a day during the incubation period. From a distance it appears as though the bird has his/her head in the sand.An ostrich’s first response to fear is to run. Not only do they not stay to protect the eggs, they attempt to distract a predator to follow them.(http://www.ostriches.org/factor.html)

Why do cats purr?

Cats also purr when frightened or threatened. One way to think about this is to equate purring with smiling. They also purr when contact is giving to them by others. (WebMD.com)

Why do dogs pant?

Dogs pant because that is there way of cooling down. Humans sweat from the bodys, dogs sweat from their mouths. Dogs also sweat when there’s bad weather coming maybe a thunderstorm is blow thru. Most dogs will find a safe place to hide when storms happen. (PetMD.com)

why do cows moo?

Cows moo to communicate, depending on the pitch of the moo shows how the cow is feeling to other cows. Cows need some form of communication when body language is not enough to get their point across, or if they have to communicate over a long distance. Their sense of language isn’t adapted as ours is, and their tongue is not shaped the way a human’s tongue is. The shape of their tongue and vocal chords stops them from doing more than make the sound they make. And cows don’t actually say “moo”. It is just that our own language is limited, and that is the best that people can come up with (http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_do_cows_moo)

Why do donkeys keep certain animals safe?

For those who are losing small livestock to predators, consider adding a donkey or two to your herd.When considering a donkey for predator control, look for a jennet (or some refer to as a jenny). A female donkey usually is much more liked over the males. The males tend to get too playful, and even aggressive,and before long, they might scare or hurt the animals they were supposed to protect.Donkeys will even go after a dog or cat, so all pets should be carefully watched around donkeys, or better yet, dogs and cats should be taught to stay out of corrals and pastures. (WWW.cadama.com)

Why do monkeys love bananas?

Monkeys love to eat what is available in their climate. Whether it be berries, fruits, roots, bugs or bananas. They will eat whatever is in reach at the time. Sweet things of course are preferred for extra carbohydrates. (Yahoo Answers.com)

Why do chickens bob their heads when walking?

This head motion looks funny, and it might look like random head waving, but it’s not. If you look closely or take videos and watch them in slow motion, you will see the head actually stays in one place while the body walks past it. It’s jerked forward and put in front of the body and the body walks past it again.What this behavior does is keep its head still and in one spot as long as possible the bird gets a better look at the world and is able to see things clearly. (http://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/education/ask/?quid=472)

WHy do flamingos stand on one leg?

Flamingos mainly stand on one leg while sleeping. Scientist have many theories on why they do this, but none of them have ever tested it. One of the theories is they stay this way because it helps with muscle fatigue or soreness. (http://www.livescience.com/5732-flamingos-stand-leg.html)

Resources:

Images: Google Images

Information: Wikianswers http://www.ostriches.org/factor.html WebMD.com PetMD.com

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_do_cows_moo WWW.cadama.com YahooAnswers.com

http://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/education/ask/?quid=472

http://www.livescience.com/5732-flamingos-stand-leg.html)