Amazing animals — A look at the weird and wonderful species that live on our planet

This swimming sea cucumber looks like a chicken carcass, eats poop floating in the water and uses defecation as a means of propulsion.

Aye-ayes are remarkable thanks to their extra-long, bony middle fingers, which they use to locate grubs and pick their noses.

Virginia opossums are the only marsupial species in North America.

This big-eyed rainforest mammal looks like a cross between a bat and a squirrel. It glides between treetops using a furry membrane that connects its limbs.

This flightless nocturnal parrot is only found in New Zealand.

Male Japanese quails produce a strange seminal foam that appears to enhance the chances of successfully fertilizing an egg.

The smallest species of whale tricks its predators by gushing gallons of red fluid into the water when under attack.

Binturongs' popcorn perfume plays a vital role in communication, helping them mark their territory and signal their presence to others in dense tropical rainforests.

These large, flightless birds have powerful, muscular legs and tough, prehistoric-looking feet with claws that can deliver a powerful blow.

Pacific spiny lumpsuckers are wee, coastal fish that look a bit like concerned strawberries, have a fluorescent glow and pack some serious body armor.