The semi-graceful, soaring mobula ray

Mobula rays bamboozle scientists with their acrobatic displays, but it is still not understood why they leap out of the sea. These animals are related to sharks but have longer, flatter bodies that are ideal for swooping through the air as high as two meters (6.6 feet) above the waves. Landings are less graceful though, ending in a loud belly-flop.

The frog that chooses air travel to avoid predators

Found in the dense, tropical jungles of Malaysia, the Wallace’s tree frog lives almost exclusively in the trees, and getting around quickly without being eaten is no easy task. This ten-centimeter (four-inch) long amphibian leaps from one tree to another by splaying four webbed feet, and its funky oversized toe pads helps it to make a soft landing and stick to tree trunks.