Mental Floss

NATURE

The giant panda’s comeback shows that conservation works.

From the world’s tiniest water lily to the second-largest baleen whale, these animals and plants have beaten the odds (with a big assist from dedicated conservationists).

Mark Mancini
















Hey, little guy.

From the long legs of the jerboa to basically everything about the duck-billed platypus, evolution has taken some weird turns.

Bethel Afful






An aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef near Queensland, Australia.

Australia’s biggest natural wonder is a huge draw for tourists and fish alike. Here’s everything you need to know about the world’s most famous reef.

M. Arbeiter