Many collective nouns for groups of animals have their origins in the late Middle Ages. This explains why plenty of them have a funny-sounding name. Many of these terms stuck, and are accepted as valid terms to refer to these animals; next, you'll find some these.

1. A pack of wolves, or dogs

The term pack applies not only to wolves, but also to dogs.

2. A school of fish

The term school is a very generic term for a group of fish, but there are particular terms for different groups of fish. You'll learn more about some of these here.

3. A murder of crows

Such an ominous name finds its origin in superstitious beliefs of crows as harbingers of doom, and evil.

4. A clan of hyenas

People mistakenly refer to a group of hyenas as a pack, but this is a mistake. They are actually more closely related to cats, not dogs. A more poetic term, which is not used much, to refer to a group of hyenas is a cackle of hyenas. Undoubtedly, such a term originates from their well-known "laugh."

5. A shrewdness of apes

These clever primates receive the appropriate term of shrewdness when grouped together.

6. A troop of baboons

Their ranks can range from dozens to hundreds of baboons.

7. A wake of vultures

When they're eating they are called a wake, but if they are in flight they are called a kettle, and when they are resting, they are called a committee. What would you call these in the image?

8. A swarm of flies

Fly swarms are very common during summer.

9. A family of sardines

Sardines are named after the island of Sardinia.

10. A litter of kittens, or puppies

Litter is a term that applies to many groups of offspring that are born together. It applies only when they are very young and dependent of their mothers.

11. A colony of bats

Although they might not be lookers, they are very important in our ecosystems: they pollinate, disperse seeds, and control pests.

12. A clowder or a glaring of cats

Cats form groups in certain circumstances, particularly when not competing for food.

13. A drove of cattle

A drove is what we see cowboys lead in Westerns.

14. A caravan of camels

Caravans of camels are led by beduins. Camels naturally form herds, not caravans.

15. An army of ants

An army of ants can have millions of ants in its number, and it is a formidable force to reckon with. The ants'll eat anything on their way.

THE ENGLISH CAVE

Many collective nouns for groups of animals have their origins in the late Middle Ages. This explains why plenty of them have a funny-sounding name. Many of these terms stuck, and are accepted as valid terms to refer to these animals; next, you'll find some these.