10 Animals That Can Do Things Humans Absolutely Can’t

2. The Electric Eel: Nature's Living Battery

The electric eel, despite its name, is more closely related to catfish than true eels. It possesses an extraordinary ability to generate electricity, which it uses for navigation, communication, hunting, and self-defense. This South American native can produce electric discharges of up to 600 volts, enough to stun prey or deter predators. The eel's electric organs—which make up most of its body length—are composed of specialized cells called electrocytes. When activated, these cells generate a current by allowing ions to flow across membranes, similar to a battery. Researchers have been inspired by the electric eel to develop bio-inspired energy sources and medical devices. This fascinating creature evinces the innovative ways animals have evolved over generations to adapt to their environments and thrive in diverse habitats.