Sure, humans are pretty amazing. Besides our ability to perceive and understand abstract thoughts, no other species has had more of a profound effect on the entire planet than humans. Because of this, it is easy to forget that the world around us is rich in diversity. In the animal kingdom, some species of animals possess such unique abilities that they can be regarded as superpowers. Counting down, here is my list of the top 10 animals with extraordinary superpowers:
10. The Flea
Image Credit: Clouds Hill Imaging/ Getty Images
Besides their ability to drink blood from their victims, fleas are able to jump up to an average of 5.2 inches, 200 times their own body height. Although this might not seem too impressive, this would be the equivalent to if a human were to jump over the Eiffel Tower.
9. The Dung Beetle
Image Credit: San Diego Zoo Global
Regarded as the strongest animal in the world, the Dung Beetle is easily able to pull items that are 1000 times its body weight. To put this into perspective, this would be equivalent to a grown man lifting 95,000 kilograms (over 200,000 pounds).
8. The Bombardier Beetle
Image Credit: National Academy of the Sciences
Although this is the second type of beetle on this list, the uniqueness of the Bombardier Beetle does not disappoint. As a defense mechanism, the Bombardier Beetle is able to spray predators with jets of hydrogen peroxide than can reach up to 100 degree Celsius (the boiling point of water).
7. The Salamander
Image Credit: William Warby
Unlike some types of geckos and lizards, which can only grow back their tail, some types of salamanders are able to grow back whole limbs. Using this ability as a survival mechanism, the regeneration abilities of salamanders are currently being studied by scientists all over the world in the hopes of regenerating human appendages.
6. The Horned Lizard
Image Credit: The Horned Jack Lizard, via Flickr
As a defense mechanism from predators, the horned lizard is able to shoot blood from its eye. The chemicals that are contained within its blood are not only used to confuse predators, but the chemicals themselves are also toxic to wolves, dogs, and coyotes.
5. The Mantis Shrimp
Image Credit: Monterey Bay Aquarium
As the fastest puncher in the animal kingdom, the Mantis Shrimp uses its hammer-like claws to smash through mollusk shells with a speed of up to 80 kilometers per hour. It has been also observed to smash through aquarium glass without being injured. Additionally, the unique eyes of the Mantis Shrimp allows it to see more colors that humans can, including ultraviolet light.
4. The Mimic Octopus
Image Credit: Ned DeLoach
As suggested by the name, the Mimic Octopus is a master of disguise. To deter and confuse predators, the Mimic Octopus is able imitate a variety of animals by changing its shape and behavior. Some of these animals that the Mimic Octopus can imitate include stingrays, sea snakes, and even lionfish!
3. The Pistol Shrimp
Image Credit: Roy Caldwell
To stun prey, the Pistol Shrimp's claw can snap so quickly to produce cavitation bubbles that can reach 218 decibels, enough to rupture human eardrums. Even more, these cavitation bubbles that are produced reaches temperatures that are as hot as the surface of the sun (yes you read correctly)! Fortunately, these cavitation bubbles disappear too quickly to cause any significant harm to well, everything.
2. Tardigrades
Image Credit: Eye of Science/Science Source
Also known as water bears, these organisms are some of the toughest beings on Earth. Able to survive extremely hot and cold temperatures, high radiation, and even the vacuum of space, it is easy to see why Tardigrades are often referred to as indestructible.
1. The Jellyfish (Turritopsis nutricula)
Image Credit: Peter Schuchert/The Hydrozoa Directory
This species of jellyfish that was discovered in the waters near Japan is the only organism on Earth that has been found to express biological immortality. That is, this species of jellyfish cannot die due to aging as it has the ability to revert its cells back to an earlier age.