Feature Animals

Tales of creatures large and small made news this year

Snakes, giraffes, turtles and more were in the headlines in 2016

rattlesnake

FRIGHTFUL BITE  A study this year suggested that modern rattlesnakes have a smaller venom arsenal than their ancestors.

liveslow/iStockphoto

By Cassie Martin

- More than 2 years ago

Scientists filled in the details of some famous evolutionary tales in 2016 — and discovered a few surprises about creatures large and small.