In a world where the gigantic often steal the spotlight, you may want to also consider exploring the smallest animals in the world.
Among the microcosm of compact critters are the world's tiniest vertebrates – animals that, despite their diminutive size, harbor all the complex components necessary for life with a backbone.
While insects, arthropods, mollusks and other invertebrates also boast members of vanishingly small stature, the spectrum of vertebrate sizes is truly astounding – from a parasitic fish the size of a pea to the blue whale that rivals three school buses in length.
The world of tiny vertebrates challenges our perspective, showing us that in nature, size isn't always synonymous with significance.
The bumblebee bat spends most of its day at rest. (Credit: Amarisa M/Shutterstock)
Amarisa M/Shutterstock
In the world of teeny-tiny mammals, the bumblebee bat takes the cake – or, the crumb? Also called the hog-nosed bat ...
