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Finding two animals who resemble each other isn't that hard. After all, a lot of white bunnies look like other white bunnies and a lot of black horses look like other black horses. So let's up the ante. Instead, how about we focus on "twin" animals that aren't even from the same species?

We at Bored Panda searched the internet far and wide and I'm glad to say that we managed to put together a wholesome list of animal siblings from other mothers. From horses with their mini dog versions to nearly identical cats and guinea pigs, here's proof that reflections are everywhere throughout nature! Enjoy.

One of the features that nearly every mammal species on Earth (including humans) have in common is that their bodies are covered in structures known individually as "hairs" and collectively as "fur."

To learn more about animals' appearance, Bored Panda reached out to Dr. Hopi E. Hoekstra, who is the Alexander Agassiz Professor of Zoology in the Departments of Organismic & Evolutionary Biology and Molecular & Cellular Biology at Harvard University, the Curator of Mammals at the Museum of Comparative Zoology, and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator.

"Fur on a mammal looks different (or the same) based on (1) hair length, (2) its thickness, and (3) its density as well as (4) its composition, that is, the composition of different hair types," she explained. "For example, most rodents have 4 hair types: awl, zig-zag, auchene, and guard hairs."

"Guard hairs, for instance, tend to be coarse, thick, and long but found only on certain regions of the body (eg. the rump or back of the neck); relative to other hair types, guard hairs are not very numerous. Some hair morphology is extreme: spines are modified hairs that have evolved repeatedly within rodents. Of course, hair pigmentation is an obvious trait that may make animals look more or less similar."

#2

Son?

Son?

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We also reached out to Dr. Jessica E. Light, the Associate Professor and Curator of Mammals at Texas A&M University. She said that there are 4 main purposes of fur:

1) insulation;

2) tactile or sensory (think whiskers, which are a type of hair);

3) protection (guarding the skin and shielding against predators (think quills and spines));

4) visual (colors of fur provide information to members of the same species and other species).

#5

Just A Newfoundland Taking His Pony For A Walk

Just A Newfoundland Taking His Pony For A Walk

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Dr. Hoekstra added that "some species, like sea otters, have incredibly dense fur that both keeps them warm in cool ocean water but also helps with buoyancy."

"Polar bears have unique hairs that are effectively hollow and can 'capture' heat from the sun to keep them warm. Some hairs have piloerection, in which hairs can be lifted upwards as a threat display. The pigments in hairs also play an important function, primarily in camouflage."

#6

There's A Spy Among Us

There's A Spy Among Us

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kasa alex
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was looking at this for a while thinking 'aren't they all just cats?' Hehe

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#7

These Two Little Cows Look So Similar You Could Almost Mistake Them For Twins

These Two Little Cows Look So Similar You Could Almost Mistake Them For Twins

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Eva the Egg
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I swear if the little piggy didnt poke his head up I would've thought he was a dog

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#8

Partners In Crime And Their Matching Coats

Partners In Crime And Their Matching Coats

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Some animal coats are more distinctive than others. But that doesn't mean they're easier to understand. It has long been suggested that arguably the most eccentric mammal, the zebra, may have developed its unique striping to hide from lions and deter biting tsetse flies.

But according to one comprehensive study, the iconic stripes along a zebra's back are most closely correlated with temperature and precipitation in its environment, not the prevalence of lions or tsetse flies. These findings could mean that the famous black-and-white coat actually helps the zebra to regulate its body temperature.

#9

My Friend's Two Husky Mixes, With Their Color-Coordinated Kitten Look-Alikes. The Aww Factor Is Off The Charts

My Friend's Two Husky Mixes, With Their Color-Coordinated Kitten Look-Alikes. The Aww Factor Is Off The Charts

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Since animals' fur can make the difference between life and death, they try to keep it in tip-top condition. "Grooming, especially of hair, can be very important for mammals," Dr. Hoekstra said. The main purpose is to remove potential parasites/pathogens (not necessarily to "look good"). When an animal is ill or old, they tend to groom less and thus may look more disheveled. It is unclear if this is used as a 'signal' to other individuals."

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If you like these pictures, we suggest you check out what UK-based image library Warren Photographic has to offer. We included a few of their shots too.

#13

Matching Brother And Sister

Matching Brother And Sister

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hyperunknown
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Day 66: Infiltration is going well, the food is good. Noone has a clue.

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#14

Kitty Found The Best And Most Comfortable Spot To Camouflage

Kitty Found The Best And Most Comfortable Spot To Camouflage

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#18

My Twins. I Don't Think They Know They're Adopted

My Twins. I Don't Think They Know They're Adopted

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#19

Cat And Guinea Pig Chillinā€™ At Home

Cat And Guinea Pig Chillinā€™ At Home

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#20

Black-And-White Kitten, Dutch Rabbit, Guinea Pigs And Border Collie Puppy - All From The Same Mother Apparently

Black-And-White Kitten, Dutch Rabbit, Guinea Pigs And Border Collie Puppy - All From The Same Mother Apparently

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#21

Best Buds Almost Falling Off The Bed For Rubs And Kisses

Best Buds Almost Falling Off The Bed For Rubs And Kisses

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#22

Twin Seals Separated At Birth

Twin Seals Separated At Birth

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MellonCollie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Dutch, a seal is called "zeehond", dog of the sea. If you have ever seen a seal in the water with just it's head out ... you'll know there was never a more aptly named animal species!

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#24

Brother From Another Mother

Brother From Another Mother

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Olivier Caissy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Both with eyes that will suck in your soul. (Seriously they are beautiful)

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#25

Brothers From Another Mother

Brothers From Another Mother

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm pretty sure that's "Brothers from Another M-Udder." I'll see myself out...

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#26

There Is One Spy Here

There Is One Spy Here

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Becklass
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Day 87ā€¦I must try harder to blend in. Amber eyes is getting suspicious.

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#28

Who Knew A Cat And Guinea Pig Could Look So Alike

Who Knew A Cat And Guinea Pig Could Look So Alike

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#29

I Didn't Realize How Well They Matched Each Other Before Now

I Didn't Realize How Well They Matched Each Other Before Now

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#30

When The Kitten And Puppy Are A Matching Set

When The Kitten And Puppy Are A Matching Set

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A B C
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whoa, those eyes - on both of them *__* mesmerizing.

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#31

Nemo The Tri-Pawed Pupper And His Matching Friend, Yam

Nemo The Tri-Pawed Pupper And His Matching Friend, Yam

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Sue Lynn Chan
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had to check the previous post to see if they are the same ā€¦.

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#33

They're Even Both Sleeping The Same Way

They're Even Both Sleeping The Same Way

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#34

Brothers From Another Mother

Brothers From Another Mother

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Apparently, the powers that be had some fur remnants left over after making the dog and decided to whip up a little cat too.

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#35

Well If This Ainā€™t The Cutest Thing Youā€™ve Seen Today, Iā€™d Be Very Surprised

Well If This Ainā€™t The Cutest Thing Youā€™ve Seen Today, Iā€™d Be Very Surprised

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#37

Brother From Another Mother

Brother From Another Mother

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#39

Some Warm Fuzzies In Honor Of Walā€™s Birthday

Some Warm Fuzzies In Honor Of Walā€™s Birthday

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#41

My Dog And His New Look-Alike Pupper Friend

My Dog And His New Look-Alike Pupper Friend

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#42

Cat Spoon Pug

Cat Spoon Pug

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I keep telling my spouse, kitties just want to cuddle. The dog looks like she's being tortured, but the cat just wants the warmth. (My own terrier has a similar expression whenever our cat comes near.)

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#43

My Entirely Unrelated Pets Twinning Out This Evening

My Entirely Unrelated Pets Twinning Out This Evening

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On the lookout for someone to come home, or the same squirrel?

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#44

Is Your Heart Melting As Much As Mine Did? Little Ducklings Coming In For A Snuggle With The Kitty. He Was All Purrs And Head Hoops With Them

Is Your Heart Melting As Much As Mine Did? Little Ducklings Coming In For A Snuggle With The Kitty. He Was All Purrs And Head Hoops With Them

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#45

Percy Is The Very Best Big Brother

Percy Is The Very Best Big Brother

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Taxi Driver
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please tell me the cat's name is Estelle (if you understand this reference you are now my friend)

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#46

Cat And Dog Twins

Cat And Dog Twins

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#48

I Am Crimson The Great, And Demand To Have My Chin Scratched

I Am Crimson The Great, And Demand To Have My Chin Scratched

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#49

My Pupper Has A Matching Brother (From Another Mother)

My Pupper Has A Matching Brother (From Another Mother)

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#50

Happy Twins

Happy Twins

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Jennifer Brekke
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The cat's markings look like a white dog barking at the dog, who I can only assume is named Spot.

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Note: this post originally had 96 images. Itā€™s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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