varieties; different kinds
Refers to various types or categories of things, often used in contexts like 異類の品物 (different kinds of goods) or 異類の生物 (various organisms).
This shop displays various kinds of goods.
異類の生物が同じ環境で共存している。
Different kinds of organisms coexist in the same environment.
strange-looking creatures; spirits and goblins
Compound of 異 (different) and 類 (kind, category). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the meaning follows directly from the kanji components.