Early cinema depicted aliens as human-like for familiarity and practical reasons, but modern science fiction explores unrecognisable forms, challenging perception and our capacity to comprehend the truly alien.

Scientists are listening in on sperm whale conversations and studying Earth's strangest microbes to prepare humanity for first contact with extraterrestrial life.

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Close-up of Pseudoproscopia latirostris, a unique grasshopper species with an elongated head. Native to South America, it uses its distinctive shape as camouflage in its environment.