Adorable Weirdos: Strange Animals That Help The Planet

Animals might look weird or cute, but they actually have a lot of power. In fact, some animals have the power to keep our planet healthy. Let's meet a few adorable weirdos that are secretly helping the Earth.

Axolotls

    Axolotls are adorable but strange little salamanders that have evolved to live underwater their whole life. They have fluffy little gills sticking out from the sides of their heads, and a little tail that helps them swim. Axolotls can regrow their limbs if they lose them, and scientist study that interesting ability to learn more about healing.

Glass Frogs

    Glass frogs are tiny rainforest frogs with see through skin on their bellies. Sometimes, their skin is so clear that you can see their organs! However, they are transparent for a reason: to hide from predators by camouflaging against leaves. Since glass frogs need very clean water and healthy forests, they show scientists when an ecosystem is healthy just by being there. 

Sea Cucumbers

    Sea cucumbers are squishy little animals that live on the ocean floor. They eat sand and little bits of waste that are lying nearby, decomposing the organic matter. This cleans the seafloor and recycles nutrients to keep marine ecosystems healthy. 

    Even though these animals might look strange, they play an important role in keeping ecosystems healthy. Protecting nature helps make sure these adorable weirdos can continue helping our planet.