Physically Unique:
* Star-nosed mole: This mole has 22 fleshy tentacles around its nose, which it uses to detect prey. It's the fastest eater among mammals, identifying food in just 120 milliseconds!
* Blobfish: This deep-sea fish is known for its gelatinous, blob-like appearance. It doesn't have much muscle and relies on its buoyancy to float.
* Pangolin: This scaly mammal is the only one that has overlapping scales covering its body. It curls up into a ball for defense.
* Axolotl: This salamander retains its larval features even as an adult, which gives it a distinctive appearance with external gills and a fin-like tail.
Behaviorally Unique:
* Echidna: This spiny mammal lays eggs, but it also nurses its young. It has a prehensile tongue that it uses to catch insects.
* Platypus: Another egg-laying mammal, the platypus has a duck-like bill, webbed feet, and a venomous spur on its hind leg.
* Naked mole rat: This rodent lives in complex underground colonies and has a social structure similar to ants or bees. They are also remarkably resistant to cancer.
Biologically Unique:
* Tardigrade: This microscopic animal is known as the "water bear" for its ability to survive in extreme conditions, including outer space.
* Jellyfish: These animals are made up of 95% water and don't have a brain or heart. They have a decentralized nervous system that allows them to move and respond to stimuli.
Ultimately, what makes an animal "different" is subjective. It depends on your perspective and what you find most fascinating.
Do you have a specific characteristic in mind? We can narrow down the options further if you tell me what kind of "different" you're looking for!