The animal kingdom provides so much diversity that it’s almost impossible to keep track of all the different species in the world. Sometimes the distinction between close relatives is too hard to even notice. But different species often evolve in similar ways because of their environment.
We at Bright Side gathered 16 pairs of animals who are almost indistinguishable from each other at first sight in order to show you the differences between them.
1. Jaguar vs leopard
Despite their similarities, these big cats inhabit different continents and climate zones: leopards live in African savannas, while jaguars dwell in South American tropical forests. Jaguars are also larger and bulkier, and unlike leopards and many other cats, they’re fond of water.
2. Alligator vs crocodile
You can easily identify these 2 by the shape of their snouts: crocodiles have prominent, elongated V-shaped faces while alligators have shorter, wider U-shaped ones. Also, consider the teeth: crocodiles display their trademark toothy “grin” with every fourth tooth visible. Conversely, the alligator’s upper jaw is broader than the lower one, so its teeth aren’t visible for the most part.
3. Wasp vs hornet
Both insects are menacing, that’s for sure. Hornets are larger and boast orange and black coloring, resembling spots rather than stripes, while wasps are more brightly colored and have yellow and black rings. You’re better off avoiding both.
4. Seal vs sea lion
You’ve most likely met seals as cute plushy animals and sea lions as circus acrobats. Seals are covered with fur and have tiny front flippers which prevent them from walking, forcing them to wiggle on their bellies. Sea lions have smooth skin and vast flippers that they use to move on the ground.
5. Turtle vs tortoise
These 2 are both mobile (but very slow at that) and boast 4 legs. But the “turtle rock” is aquatic and has markings that resemble stains and circles on the water to better hide in the ponds. The “tortoise rock” is a land animal and spends most of its time on the ground — that is, as a literal rock.
6. Raven vs crow vs rook vs jackdaw
Most corvids look fairly similar (excluding jays who are like a theatre kid in a goth family). Ravens are the loftiest and most fashionable thanks to their “beard” of throat feathers. Crows and rooks are of the same size, but rooks have a distinct grey beak and fancy feather “pants” on their legs. Jackdaws are the goofiest-looking thanks to their very short beaks and a round heads with black caps.
7. Donkey vs mule
This one is tricky for a simple reason: while the donkey is its own species, a mule is a hybrid of donkey and horse. Funnily enough, it looks exactly like what you’d think these 2 animals would look like: an elegant head of a horse with ridiculously oversized donkey ears.
8. Hare vs rabbit
If you want a cuddly little pet, a rabbit is your best bet, but a hare definitely is not. Hares are larger and faster and have longer legs and ears. Rabbits are smaller, fluffier, and overall “cuter.” They even eat different food: rabbits prefer vegetables (like carrots) and soft grass while hares prefer bark and twigs. Rabbits are social animals while hares tend to be solitary. It’s no wonder rabbits are easily domesticated while hares mostly stay feral.
9. Moth vs butterfly
Moths have tent-like wings while butterflies flap their wings vertically. Moths usually rest with their wings open, while butterflies rest with their wings closed. Their antennas also differ: butterflies’ are long and thin and moths’ are short and feathery. Butterflies are strictly diurnal, while moths are mostly nocturnal.
10. Dolphin vs porpoise
The difference between dolphins and porpoises comes down to their snouts, fins, and figures. Dolphins have long “beaks,” slender bodies, and curved dorsal fins. Porpoises have more flat, sloping faces, smaller flippers, and shorter triangular dorsal fins.
11. Weasel vs stoat
These 2 animals are close relatives. Stoats are bigger and have long tails with fuzzy black tips, while weasels’ tails are short and of the same color as the rest of the body. Stoats move in a bouncing gait with an arched back which looks hilarious, and weasels keep closer to the ground. Stoats also turn white in winter.
12. Eagle vs hawk vs falcon
Eagles are gigantic, powerful birds who prefer to live in open spaces like cliffs and mountains. Hawks are a little smaller and more nimble in the air, capable of maneuvering in more closed areas. Falcons are the smallest and fastest of the 3 and differentiate the most visually: they have larger eyes and shorter beaks.
13. Mouse vs rat
The 2 most famous (or infamous) rodents can be easily distinguished by 3 things: their size, tail, and ears. Mice are diminutive, even compared to young rats; they have thin long tails covered with fur while rats’ tails are thick and hairless. Mice have ears that are bigger in proportion to their bodies and are round and floppy with a tiny, triangular face. Rats’ faces are more prominent and blunt.
14. Seagull vs albatross
Gulls often live near water, be it the sea or ponds, and are rather acrobatic while diving and fish-catching, but aren’t fans of long voyages, unlike albatrosses. Albatrosses are portly birds who live in constant flight over the sea. They even have unique nostrils that allow them to remove salt from water and food.
15. Wolverine vs honey badger
Despite living in different climate zones — the honey badger that lives in Africa and the wolverine that resides in the northern forests — both belong to the Mustelidae family. Wolverines are taller with longer legs and noticeable ears and have brown fur with yellow rings. Honey badgers keep closer to the ground and have black bodies with a white “cape” on their backs.
16. Wolf vs coyote vs jackal
These 3 are “good boys and girls” that parade all over the globe. Jackals live in Africa, Asia, and India; coyotes live in Northern America; and wolves live all over the place. Wolves are large, sturdy animals, while coyotes and jackals possess a more lean and fragile frame.
Coyotes are recognizable for the red fur on their faces and ears while jackals have a more yellow-colored coat. Additionally, jackals are noticeably less fluffy because they don’t have to endure the harshness of winter.
Funny bonus: Wolverine vs the honey badger
What kinds of animals have ever confused you? If you know more examples, share them in the comments!
Preview photo credit shutterstock.com, shutterstock.com
My MIL Thought I Was Not Beautiful Enough for Her Son, So I Entered a Beauty Contest to Win the Crown — Story of the Day
My MIL was never satisfied with me. She made a million remarks every time we met. But that day, her usual nitpicking crossed the line. Gertrude declared that I wasn’t beautiful enough for her son. That was the last straw, so I entered a beauty contest! But even there, she continued to sabotage me.
David and I had recently returned from our honeymoon, and our life together was filled with love and happiness. However, my mother-in-law, Gertrude, never took me seriously.
She criticized me constantly, no matter what I did. Even that evening, during dinner, she found faults in everything.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
“Grace, dear, have you ever tried seasoning the soup with thyme? It would improve the flavor significantly,” Gertrude’s tone dripping with condescension.
I forced a smile. “I’ll keep that in mind, Gertrude.”
David, oblivious to the tension, looked up from his plate and said, “I think the soup is perfect, Grace.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
Gertrude’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“The presentation of the food on the plates could be more refined. And that lipstick, my dear, it really doesn’t suit your skin tone.”
I bit my lip, trying to maintain my composure.
“I’ll consider that next time,” I murmured, feeling my cheeks flush.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
David, as usual, didn’t notice the tension. He was often lost in his business thoughts.
“Sorry, ladies, I have to check my email. I’m expecting an important letter,” he added, apologizing as he left.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Once he was gone, Gertrude turned to me, her smile vanishing.
“Grace, you must understand. You’re not beautiful enough for my son.”
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I felt a lump form in my throat but managed to nod.
Without saying a word, I left the hose and retreated to my small atelier, a place that brought me immense joy.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Designing and sewing clothes was my passion, but even this, Gertrude belittled, considering it an undignified occupation for someone in her family.
As I sat there, feeling dejected, I noticed an invitation from a friend to a beauty contest she was organizing. I picked it up, reading the details.
Despite my doubts, I decided to enter. I needed to prove my worth, not just to Gertrude, but to myself.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
***
The following weeks were a whirlwind of activity. When I first told David about entering the beauty contest, he was incredibly supportive.
“Grace, I think it’s a great idea,” he said, holding my hands. “You should do it for yourself.”
His encouragement gave me the strength I needed to go through with it. I underwent intensive training, attended workshops, and participated in rehearsals.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
All the contestants lived together in a hotel, cut off from their families, only interacting with each other. Many of the girls were envious and willing to do anything to win, like Chloe, who often sabotaged others.
One morning, I saw Chloe “accidentally” knock over a fellow contestant’s makeup bag, scattering its contents everywhere.
“Oops, sorry!”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Despite this, I quickly made friends and impressed everyone with my kindness.
“Grace, you’re a lifesaver,” said Emma, another contestant, as I helped her fix a ripped dress.
“It’s nothing, really,” I replied with a smile. “We’re all in this together, right?”
During a rehearsal, I had a heartfelt conversation with Katie, a contestant I had befriended. We sat in a quiet corner of the auditorium, watching others practice. Chloe was listening as always.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Are you ready for tomorrow?” Katie asked, her voice tinged with anxiety.
“I think so,” I replied. “I’m going to present a clothing collection I designed. It’s created for everyday wear.”
“That’s amazing, Grace. You’re not just competing; you’re making a difference.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Thanks, Katie. What about you? What’s your talent performance?”
“I’m going to sing,” she said with a shy smile. “I’ve always loved singing, but I’ve never performed in front of such a large audience before.”
“You’ll be great,” I assured her. “You’ve got an incredible voice.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
***
Later that evening, I was in my hotel room, organizing my outfits for the next day, when there was a knock on the door. It was my friend, Lily, who had invited me to the contest.
“Hey, Grace,” she said, glancing around the room. “How are you doing? How’s the preparation going?”
“Hi! I’m a bit nervous, but everything is coming together. Thanks again, Lily, for inviting me to this contest. It means a lot.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
“I’m sure you’ll do great,” she said warmly. “Actually, I need you to sign some documents regarding your participation. Do you have a pen?”
“Sure, let me find one for you,” I said, turning to my desk.
When I turned back, I saw Lily quickly stepping away from my wardrobe, trying to act casual.
“Here you go.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Thanks,” she took a pen, her eyes avoiding mine. She handed me the documents, and I noticed her hands trembling slightly.
I decided not to comment on her actions. Instead, I took the documents and signed them politely.
“All done,” I said, handing them back to her.
“Great,” she said, forcing a smile. “Good luck tomorrow, Grace. I know you’ll shine.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Thanks,” I replied. “I appreciate your support.”
We exchanged pleasantries, and she left the room quickly. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off, but I had no time to dwell on it.
I hung the garment bag with my dress in the wardrobe and decided to get some rest. As I lay in bed, thoughts of the contest swirled in my mind.
I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
***
The day of the contest arrived, and everything was going well. The air buzzed with excitement as contestants performed their talents, singing, dancing, and displaying their unique skills.
When my turn came, I presented my clothing collection, each piece crafted with care and dedication. I took a moment to steady my nerves and began to speak.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
“Good evening, everyone. My name is Grace, and I have a deep love for designing and sewing clothes. Tonight, I want to share with you a collection that is very close to my heart.”
I gestured to the models wearing my designs as they walked across the stage. Each outfit was unique, showcasing my skills and creativity. The audience watched intently, their eyes following every detail.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
“I have always believed that fashion should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances,” I continued.
“That’s why my dream is to use my talent to help those in need. I want to create beautiful, affordable clothing for families who cannot afford high-end fashion. These clothes you’re seeing tonight are part of that vision.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
The audience began to murmur, clearly moved by my words. I pressed on.
“Every piece in this collection will be donated to families who need them the most. It’s my way of giving back to the community and making a difference, one stitch at a time. Fashion is not just about looking good; it’s about knowing that someone cares.”
As I finished speaking, the models lined up for a final walk. The audience stood up, clapping and cheering, and my heart swelled with pride and joy.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
David and Gertrude came to congratulate me. David handed me a beautiful bouquet of pink peonies.
“You were amazing, Grace,” he said, giving me a warm hug.
“Thanks, David.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Gertrude, however, leaned in and whispered in my ear:
“Don’t celebrate too soon. This contest isn’t meant for someone like you.”
Her words stung, but I forced a smile and thanked them both.
Backstage, the emotions of the day caught up with me. But I couldn’t let Gertrude’s words break me. I pulled myself together.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
Suddenly, the organizer ran up to me, looking frantic.
“Grace, we have a problem. That’s about your dress.”
“What do you mean?”
“You need to see it for yourself,” she said, leading me to the dressing area.
I opened the garment bag. My breath caught in my throat when I realized it was Katie’s dress that had been spoiled. The fabric was torn, and the seams were ripped apart.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Katie, who had been standing nearby, burst into tears.
“What am I going to do now? This contest is so important for my future.”
Everyone suspected Chloe, who had boasted about doing anything to win, but I had a different suspicion. I took a deep breath and put my arm around Katie.
“It’s going to be okay. We’ll figure something out.”
“But how?” Katie sobbed.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
I thought for a moment, then made a decision.
“Katie, you take my dress for the final runway.”
Katie looked at me, shocked. “But what about you? What will you wear?”
“You need this more than I do. I can wear something else.”
“Grace, I can’t believe you would do this for me. Thank you so much.”
I smiled and handed her the dress. “Go get ready. You deserve to shine.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
As Katie hurried off to prepare, I found a simple dress I had made earlier. It wasn’t as glamorous as the one I had planned to wear, but it would do.
I changed quickly and took a moment to steady myself.
Back on stage, all the contestants appeared in stunning gowns. Katie wore my dress and looked absolutely radiant.
The audience murmured, noticing the contrast between my simple dress and the glamorous outfits around me. But I held my head high, knowing I had made the right choice.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
When it was my turn to speak about my future plans, I stated that I intended to be an ordinary woman who supported others, not chasing fame.
Once again, the audience gave me a standing ovation.
I caught a glimpse of Gertrude’s face, her eyes narrowing with frustration. It was obvious that she had orchestrated all that.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
Chloe wouldn’t have had the cunning to pull off something so intricate—it was clear now who was behind it all.
The moment of truth was approaching, and soon, I would finally be able to dictate my own rules in this game with my mother-in-law.
***
The judges declared Katie the winner, and I received the People’s Choice award.
As I stood on the stage, holding my trophy. The audience cheered and applauded.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
After the contest, David found me backstage. His eyes were shining with pride and love.
“Grace, you were incredible. You don’t need beauty contests to prove your worth. You’ve already shown your inner beauty and deserve all the respect and love in the world.”
“Thanks, David,” I said, feeling a warmth spread through me. “That means a lot.”
The support from the audience, especially David, made me remember who I am.
But there was one more thing I needed to do. I approached Gertrude, who was standing near the exit and barely concealed her frustration.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
“Gertrude, I know you were behind the sabotage. You bribed the organizer, my former friend. She confessed everything.”
Gertrude quickly masked her surprise with a cold smile.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Grace.”
“Enough. This ends now. You tried to undermine me, but it didn’t work. I’ve shown my worth, and no amount of sabotage can change that.”
David stepped forward as he finally understood the situation.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
“Mother, Grace is right. It’s time you accept her for who she is. She deserves respect and love, and I won’t tolerate any more of your schemes.”
Gertrude opened her mouth to argue but then closed it, her face turning red with anger and embarrassment. She realized she had been caught and had no more excuses to hide behind.
“We’re leaving now,” David said, taking my hand.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
“We’re going to celebrate our victory and love. You can join us if you choose to accept Grace and treat her with the respect she deserves.”
Gertrude remained silent. David and I turned and walked away, leaving her behind.
The moment of truth had arrived, and I had finally stood up to Gertrude. David squeezed my hand, and I looked up at him, feeling a deep sense of gratitude.
“Let’s go celebrate,” he said with a smile.
“Let’s do that.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.
Leave a Reply