World's Weirdest Mutations Quiz

Genetic mutations and adaptations allow for some pretty odd occurrences in the animal kingdom. They may help increase the chance of survival in the wild, but sometimes they have no apparent use or actually decrease life spans. Mutations pique our curiosity and raise questions about our own place in the world. Take our quiz to test your knowledge of the world's weirdest mutations.

This Central and South American mammal actually grows algae on its fur.

yellow-sided opossum

three-toed sloth

silky anteater

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The three-toed sloth is very slow moving and spends almost its entire life hanging upside-down. To camouflage itself, it grows algae on its stomach.

The axolotl, a type of salamander commonly found in Mexico, has the ability to do this.

change gender

change its gills to lungs

retain its juvenile features

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As it ages, the axolotl is able to retain features seen in the juveniles of the species. This defense mechanism is known as neoteny.

The adult bluestreak cleaner wrasse, a common coral reef fish, has an odd talent. The females can become males. This process is known as…

protogyny

protandry

genderfication

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Protogyny is the ability to change from a female to a male. All wrasse are born female. The strongest female in a group will change sex when the group's male dies.

This dolphin gets its color from albinism.

long-snouted spinner dolphin

skunk dolphin

pink river dolphin

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The endangered pink river dolphin comes in various shades of stunning pinks. It wasn't threatened 20 years ago, but its habitat in the Amazon River has changed greatly since then.

Polycephaly is a genetic mutation that causes an animal to have two heads. This mutation is most common in …

snakes and tortoises

snakes and fish

tortoises and frogs

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Any animal can have this mutation, but it's most common in snakes and tortoises.

Genetically speaking, this mammal is closer to reptiles than mammals. It lays eggs rather than having a live birth.

platypus

armadillo

opossum

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The platypus retains reptilian genes that aren't found in mammals. As a result, it has many reptilian traits.

Due to a genetic mutation, the feathers of this common bird never stop growing.

peacock

cockatoo

feather duster budgerigar

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The feather duster budgerigar, aka common parakeet, has a rare genetic mutation that causes its feathers to grow continuously for the duration of its short life.

The males of this species have evolved into parasitic mates. Rather than hunting for themselves, they use their sharp teeth to latch on to the bodies of the females.

blowfish

parrotfish

anglerfish

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Male anglerfish fuse with female anglerfish. Over time, the males lose their eyes and all internal organs with the exception of their testes.

The firefly squid gets its name from this.

glowing abdomen

blinking bioluminescent photophores

winglike fins

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The firefly squid is covered with hundreds of bioluminescent photophores that blink on and off to scare predators.

This flightless bird is the only known bird to have external nostrils at the tip of its beak.

penguin

kiwi

puffin

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The kiwi uses its external nostrils and keen sense of smell to sniff out insects, fruits and seeds.

Correct

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