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New species emerge from their predecessors, right? This fascinating process isn't something new and is generally linked to Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection.
Natural selection occurs when a species is more capable of adapting to its environment, food sources, predators, mating habits, etc. This ability to adapt increases a species' likelihood of surviving and reproducing. The same adaptive trait is passed down through generations, eventually transforming the species into a more evolved version of itself. Unfortunately, species unable to adapt perish. So, the takeaway is clear: change is beneficial!
While we all agree that natural selection happens, our opinions may differ on what’s considered normal or strange in terms of evolution. Normal is dull, so let's dive into some of the most bizarre outcomes of evolution!
10. The Blobfish
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but in 2013, the blobfish, perfectly adapted to its environment, earned the title of ‘World’s Ugliest Animal,’ a distinction it still holds today! Sorry, blobfish. Despite its unappealing appearance, the blobfish is a highly adapted predator of the deep sea. It patiently waits for its next meal, ready to snatch up any delicious-looking fish that swims nearby.
As an opportunist, the blobfish will consume just about anything. Its soft, saggy body and drooping features might make it appear weak. However, the creature’s jaws are incredibly powerful, and that unattractive exterior seems to be an effective defense against predators like the octopus.
David L. Stein, a former ichthyologist at Oregon State University, recalls the 19 blobfish he had the dubious privilege of dissecting. Stein noted signs of failed octopus attacks, evidenced by the sucker marks covering the blobfish’s skin.
Beautiful or ugly, strange or wonderful, the blobfish certainly qualifies as unique!
9. The Sea Cucumber
Continuing with our aquatic theme, we encounter another strange product of evolution – the sea cucumber!
Named for its shape and size, the sea cucumber might cost you more than its vegetable counterpart. Although it has been a delicacy in Asia for centuries, the West didn’t develop a taste for these odd-looking echinoderms until the 1980s.
Today, due to overfishing and its demand for both culinary and medicinal uses, the sea cucumber has become both more expensive and rarer than it once was. While not exactly fish, they are distant relatives of starfish and sea urchins. So please, let's leave the sea cucumber alone!
8. The Lungfish
It’s said that we, as humans, all began as creatures of the deep, eventually crawling out onto land, developing limbs to walk and mouths to speak. One of the essentials for any land-dwelling animal is the ability to breathe air and take in oxygen. Fish, too, need oxygen to survive, but they extract it from the water.
Nature has equipped the 300-million-year-old lungfish with the ability to extract oxygen from both air and water. The lungfish is fortunate enough to have both lungs and gills!
The lungfish is a prime example of how environmental influences drive species evolution. Found in Africa, South America, and Australia, lungfish inhabit swamps and rivers, but unfortunately, some of these areas dry up during droughts. While droughts often lead to the demise of many creatures, the lungfish survives! It can breathe both on land and underwater. When necessary, it burrows into the mud and secretes mucus to create a protective capsule, patiently waiting for the drought to end and water to return.
It’s uncertain when or if the lungfish will evolve to become fully terrestrial like us humans, but after 300 million years, it seems content with its current form!
7. Water Bears
Water bears, scientifically known as tardigrades, are minuscule creatures that thrive in extreme environments, from volcanoes to mountain peaks. Remarkably resilient, they can even survive in space!
Water bears were sent aboard Elon Musk’s SpaceX shuttles. NASA decided it was worthwhile to study how these tiny creatures handle life in space, hoping to uncover insights that could help us in future extraterrestrial exploration!
6. Venus Flytrap
When we think of nature’s predators, plants aren’t typically what comes to mind. However, few predators have more infamous 'jaws' than the Venus flytrap. Despite its name, it primarily feasts on spiders, ants, and flies. Just be cautious and avoid sticking your finger inside its ‘V’-shaped leaves, or it will snap shut faster than you can say 'Venus flytrap!'
Native to the Carolinas in the United States, the Venus flytrap thrives in acidic, swampy wetlands. Like all plants with chlorophyll, it can photosynthesize, but due to the nitrogen-poor Carolina soil, the Venus flytrap supplements its nutrient intake by catching and eating prey. Munch, munch.
5. The Naked Mole-Rat
The naked mole-rat, native to South Africa, is a burrowing creature often called a ‘sand puppy.’ You might think, 'Aww, that’s cute!' but think again. With its long, white, hairless body and oversized front teeth, the naked mole-rat is far from adorable, despite what some might remember from Rufus, the naked mole-rat sidekick in Disney Channel's *Kim Possible.*
This cold-blooded mammal thrives in its underground world, feeding primarily on tubers, which are plant parts that store nutrients. The naked mole-rat’s only real threats when it ventures to the surface are snakes and birds.
4. The Flying Fox
Named after their fox-like faces, flying foxes are the largest bat species, boasting a wingspan that stretches over five feet! Bats make up about one-quarter of all mammal species on Earth, ranging from the tiniest, weighing only a few grams, to the flying fox, which can weigh as much as 2.6 pounds. Native to the east coast of Australia, flying foxes live in large colonies. They have evolved to perfectly fit their environment, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem by pollinating over 50 species of trees.
Bats are unique as flight-capable mammals. Unlike flying squirrels or sugar gliders, bats can not only glide but also sustain flight and increase altitude. Upon closer inspection, a bat’s wings resemble hands with webbing between their digits, which are surprisingly dexterous as they grasp and eat fruit from trees.
Humans have long featured bats in eerie tales and horror films, likely due to their enigmatic nature. These nocturnal creatures rest during the day and are active at night. While they may seem like large, hairy, night-dwelling beasts, there’s no need to fear the flying fox. They’re uninterested in humans and certainly won’t be coming for your blood!
3. The Tarsier
Measuring just 10 to 15 cm and weighing a mere 150 grams when fully grown, the tarsier gets its name from its unusually long tarsal bone (or heel bone). You can find one of the eight species of tarsier in the jungles of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand.
The tarsier’s eyes are proportionally the largest of any mammal, making up half the size of its head. The smallest species, the Pygmy Tarsier, weighs only 57 grams and was believed to be extinct until recently.
Despite its somewhat sluggish appearance, the tarsier is far from slow! It can leap more than 40 times its body length and is a fierce predator. The tarsier jumps from tree to tree, hunting everything from bats to lizards. Interestingly, it’s the only entirely carnivorous primate – not so adorable after all, huh?
2. The Poodle Moth
First spotted in Venezuela in 2009 by Dr. Arthur Anchor, the poodle moth might not be the most terrifying creature on this list. With six fluffy legs, four wings, and antennae that resemble brushes, the poodle moth looks more endearing than dangerous. However, don’t get any ideas – it’s not a pet to cuddle up with.
Indigenous to South America, the poodle moth feeds on a diet of nectar, plants, fruit juices, and even the more nutrient-packed contents of animal dung!
With its appearance almost resembling a Pokémon, this adorable insect is harmless and poses no threat.
1. The Goliath Tigerfish
Ready for a real shocker? The goliath tigerfish can grow larger than a fully grown man! That’s pretty terrifying! While it may seem unremarkable at first glance, its grin will give you quite a fright. You’ll quickly spot its 32 razor-sharp teeth, each as large as those of a great white shark. Talk about intimidating!
Found in the Congo River and Lake Tanganyika, the goliath tigerfish is Africa’s answer to the piranha, though a bit more intimidating in size. But that’s not all – these fish hunt in packs and have been known to leap from the water to snatch birds in mid-air. If that doesn’t make you wary of swimming, I don’t know what will!
