Stuart Blackman

What is an elephant's trunk used for and how many muscles are in it?

Ever wondered which animal has the longest tongue? Well, it depends on how you measure it, explains Stuart Blackman

Nectar and pollen are loved by pollinators such as bees – but what exactly is the difference between them?

Ever wondered which country has the most species? Stuart Blackman takes a look

How did pigs get to the Bahamas? Well, there are several explanations – some more likely than others...

Scientists discovered that a 1cm squared patch of the substance could be sticky enough to suspend an African buffalo

Check out the weirdest spiders in the world, from the curiously-named 'happy-bum spider' to a fearsome species that eats its sexual partner

Although they are apex predators in their own habitats, saltwater crocodiles do face threats from other animals. Here are 9 that are capable of killing a saltie

Modern mustelids such as the least weasel have a reputation for punching above their weight – and the prehistoric forms were no exception.

While we often use talons and claws interchangeably, is there actually a difference between them?

Crocodiles and alligators are often confused for one another, but that doesn't necessarily mean they can interbreed, says Stuart Blackman.

Ever wondered what the largest rainforest in the world is? And what do we even class as a forest anyway?

Snails aren't built for speed – that much is obvious. But why are they so slow? Stuart Blackman takes a look.

Stuart Blackman explains why an ostrich's legs look so strange

From puffins to zebras, there are plenty of monochrome animals. But why are they black and white?

Many of New Zealand's native species are endemic – but they are often birds, reptiles and marine life. So why does New Zealand have so few mammals?

Have you ever puzzled over the meaning of a particular wildlife word or phrase? Then puzzle no more! From the 'Fraser Darling effect' to the 'K-T Boundary', our glossary provides the explanation – in plain, simple English.

Science writer Stuart Blackman discusses the unique expression of blushing.

Though principally a human disease, there are signs cetaceans can suffer a similar condition

Although it might not be exactly clear why humans and animals yawn, the contagiousness of yawns is undoubtable – but how does it work in the animal kingdom?

Despite being one of the most extreme places on Earth, many people have ventured to the summit of Mount Everest. But has anything been discovered there?

Being a good father is not easy for male burrowing beetles

You've probably heard of the twilight zone – but what actually is it?