Billions of years of evolution has given rise to us, themillions of speciesthat persist on planet Earth today.

I consider these the 15 most delightful inventions evolution has bestowed on extant species.

hey let me know which critter or physical trait Ive overlooked.

Gotcha

GotchaPhoto: Kurit afshen (Shutterstock)

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Image: Current Biology/Mooney et al.

Image: Colin Seddon

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Illustration: Kristen Tietjen, scientific illustrator with the KU Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media during a guided tour of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts before leading a board meeting on March 17, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media during a guided tour of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts before leading a board meeting on March 17, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Metaquest3s

Sharks

Animaid The Art Of Animation

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