Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about biodiversity and the hidden quirks of the natural world.

The Americas are full of wildlife wonders, but one species stands above the rest as a silent powerhouse. This creature influences its ecosystem in ways that rival even the most famous predators.

This video is about to introduce you to 25 creatures so bizarre, so unbelievable, they defy everything you thought you knew about life on Earth. From the depths of the ocean to the most remote jungles ...