Since it’s possible for most people to do at least a very high level ID on most observations in the world, I feel like identifying Unknowns in places you haven’t been to or don’t visit often is in some ways a bit like traveling to those locations. you get a little peek at what lives there (and who, too).
i’ve been surprised that i’m often able to identify plants halfway around the world quite effectively because they are invasive (or cultivated) either here or there.
i’ve been surprised at how different the species in relatively nearby places can be if you just change the amount of water or the altitude, and i’m surprised at how similar the species in faraway places can be if they otherwise have relatively similar environmental factors.