We have cleared some misconceptions and helped several animals restore their reputations in Part I and Part II. Here are some more stereotypes for you to break! 

A widely-spread urban legend is that a bird parent will abandon their children if the chicks are touched by humans and impregnated by human scent. This is not true because birds do not have a very good sense of smell. Most of them cannot smell human odor. However, it is still not suggested that you touch, pet, or take away a chick who falls out of its nest. If you are sure where the nest is, please put it back. If not, call a local animal rescue center. 

Many people believe that magpies steal and collect shiny objects, such as jewelry, metal gadgets and silver. Well, magpies may be 'thieves' as they do steal things sometimes, for food or just for fun. But they do not have a special preference for shiny objects. According to new research, they are even scared of shiny trinkets. 

The "boiling frog" is a widely used metaphor for the inability or unwillingness of people to react to threats that arise gradually rather than suddenly. Some 19th century scientists claimed it was true. However, contemporary biologists have cleared the name for frogs: a frog in gradually heated water will definitely jump out. In fact, all frogs are sensitive to temperature change. 

Only some of the earthworm species have the ability of regenerating lost segments, but they usually are only able to regrow their tails, not heads. It also depends on how much of their body they lose. 

Honey bees are the only bees who die after stinging, because they cannot pull the barbed stinger out. It leaves behind not only the stinger, but also part of its abdomen and organs. With the exception of the honey bee, all other bees are able to sting multiple times without sacrificing themselves. 

It is believed by many that sharks must constantly swim, otherwise they cannot breath and will suffocate. In fact, most shark species do not have to keep moving every few minutes. However, some species, including the great white shark, are unable to filter water into their gills if they stop moving. But don't worry, even these species can catch a break every once in a while. Staying in motion may even be easier than staying still. 

At least, there's no scientific evidence that says they do. Legends have it that old elephants would leave the family, find a place, stay there quietly and pass away, while their skeletons and tusks pile up like the scene in "Lion King." However, it may be possible that during droughts, hungry and weakened elephants look for water sources. Once they reach a pond, they stay there until they die, resulting in a mass graveyard.

(All pictures via VCG)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)