Five Animals with Superpowers

The Red Squirrel: The Genius of Spatial Memory

The red squirrel is a captivating rodent that inhabits our forests. Contrary to popular belief, it does not hibernate during winter. To survive this period, it accumulates food reserves, including hazelnuts, acorns, insects, and fungi. What is truly remarkable is its ability to memorize the locations of these reserves, which can number up to 3,000 different hiding spots. Initially, it was believed that this feat was due to an exceptionally developed sense of smell. However, studies have shown that the red squirrel actually possesses extraordinary spatial memory. It employs a technique known as "chunking" to remember the locations of its reserves. It starts by gathering all its provisions in one place, then distributes them to different locations based on their type: hazelnuts in one area, fungi in another, and so on. Even more impressively, the red squirrel stores high-nutritional-value foods as far away as possible from the food source, thereby minimizing the chances of theft. This small animal is a true genius of spatial memory, capable of creating a complex mental map of its hiding spots to survive the winter months. Truly a feat of panache!

The Basilisk Lizard: The Water-Walker : The basilisk lizard, also known by its scientific name Basiliscus Plumifrons, is a reptile distinguished by a unique superpower. Although it resembles other lizards found in the forests of Central America, with its green color, long tail, and crests giving it a dinosaur-like appearance, this lizard is anything but ordinary. This reptile typically resides near water bodies and has developed an astonishing ability to escape predators: it can run on water. This skill has earned it the nickname "Jesus Christ Lizard," referencing the famous biblical story where Jesus walks on water. But how does this lizard, which can measure up to 90 cm and weigh around 200 grams, manage this feat without sinking? The answer lies in the biology of its hind legs. They are equipped with very long toes that, when spread apart, offer a large surface area in contact with water, acting somewhat like flippers. Moreover, when the lizard strikes the water surface with its feet, an air bubble forms underneath, slowing its sinking. That's not all. The basilisk lizard can also run extremely fast, with each stride lasting no more than 70 milliseconds. This speed allows it to run on water without issue. However, if it slows down, it must resort to swimming. Fortunately for it, it is also an excellent swimmer, capable of holding its breath for about ten minutes. Thus, the basilisk lizard is a true survival champion, endowed with a superpower that allows it to escape predators in a spectacular manner.

The Mimic Octopus: The Mistress of Camouflage

The mimic octopus, or Thaumoctopus Mimicus, is an extraordinary cephalopod discovered in 1998 off the Indonesian coasts. Living on sandy bottoms and measuring about 60 centimeters, this octopus can change color in an instant thanks to specialized cells on its skin. Although this is a characteristic shared with other cephalopods, what sets the mimic octopus apart is its ability to imitate the shape of other marine animals. To resemble a sole, for example, it gathers its eight arms into a bundle that mimics the flat shape of the sole. It can then undulate through the water, convincingly resembling this flat fish. If it wishes to imitate a sea snake, whose venom is lethal, it changes its brown and white stripes to yellow and black stripes. It then buries its head and six of its tentacles in the sand, leaving only two tentacles visible, which it frantically waves to simulate the presence of the dangerous reptile. This strategy of camouflage and mimicry proves very effective for evading predators, who hesitate to attack due to such convincing resemblance. And to add a touch of irony to this story, scientists have recently identified a small fish, the Stalix Histrio, capable of mimicking the tentacles of the mimic octopus. This fish thus benefits from the protection, likely unintentional, offered by this mistress of disguise. Thus, the mimic octopus is a fascinating example of how nature can develop complex and ingenious survival strategies.

The Dung Beetle: The Hercules of Insects The dung beetle is a small coleopteran from the scarab family, primarily found in Europe and Asia. Some males are endowed with a large pair of horns that adorn their heads, hence their name. But their true superpower lies in their muscles. This tiny insect, weighing only a few grams, possesses Herculean strength. It can push dung balls that are 1,140 times heavier than itself. To put this into perspective, it's as if a human were able to move an 80-ton rock, equivalent to two semi-trailers. A feat that would be impossible even for the world's strongest man. How does the dung beetle accomplish this feat? It starts by collecting feces from its environment, such as elephant dung. It then forms a massive, compact ball. To move it, it leans on the ground with its front legs and pushes the load with its hind legs. In other words, to move forward, it moves backward. And it works wonderfully. But why does this small insect spend its days pushing fecal matter? The answer is simple: it is coprophagous, meaning it feeds exclusively on feces. Although this may seem unappetizing, the dung beetle actually plays an essential role in the ecosystem. By burying its food, it contributes to soil fertilization and the dispersion of seeds contained in the feces. Thus, nothing is lost, and everything is recycled in nature. The dung beetle is a striking example of how even the smallest members of the food chain can have a significant impact on their environment while possessing abilities that defy human understanding.

Apogonidae: The Light-Spitting Fish

The Apogonidae is a small transparent fish that inhabits the oceanic depths, a realm where light is scarce and discretion is crucial for survival. Remarkably, this fish has the ability to produce jets of blue light that appear to emanate from its mouth, resembling fireballs. This phenomenon has earned it the moniker "light-spitting fish."

But why would this fish, which resides in an environment where discretion is of the essence, permit itself to produce such vivid light? The answer is surprising. When emitting this luminescent jet, the Apogonidae is actually the victim of a small, indigestible crustacean known as the Ostracod.

Sensing its impending demise, the Ostracod triggers a bioluminescent chemical reaction, akin to that of glow-worms. This reaction involves a specialized molecule called luciferase, which reacts with oxygen to emit light. This intense light poses a threat to the Apogonidae, which is transparent. Illuminated from within, it suddenly becomes visible to its predators.

To protect itself, the Apogonidae has no choice but to regurgitate the luminous Ostracod. This expulsion manifests as a spectacular jet of light. It is a survival strategy rather than one of attack or intimidation. In summary, gluttony can sometimes backfire, and the Apogonidae serves as a luminous example.

These five animals with superpowers demonstrate just how full of surprises and fascinating adaptations nature can be. Whether it's the exceptional spatial memory of the red squirrel, the ability of the basilisk lizard to run on water, the art of disguise exhibited by the mimic octopus, the Herculean strength of the dung beetle, or the involuntary light show provided by the Apogonidae, each animal has found its own unique way to survive and thrive in its environment.