They can survive fire, ice and even the vacuum of space. Discover the weird and wonderful world of animals that can live forever.
We have heard quite often “nothing is indestructible”. Is it so or just a saying. Every creature gets older and cannot slow it. But in reality, we would be wrong. In fact, there are some animals that are quite opposite to us. You’ve probably heard of the indestructible Tardigrade or Water-bear that can survive the vacuum of space + heat /cold extremes/radiation and immortal jellyfish (Turritopsis dohrnii: when it is stressed in its environment, it can revert back to being a polyp.)…
10Lobster
Lobster gets bigger and more fertile with age, there´s no limit to their size. Lobster can live for 100+ years and weigh 20 kg, death occurs from issues shedding exoskeletons.
09Turtle
Turtles live for centuries – one carried to Australia by Darwin survived until 2006. Unlike almost all other animals, their organs don´t deteriorate over time.
08Bdelloid
An all-female species that survive by stealing DNA – 10% of DNA is taken from 500 other species. They can survive without water for 9 years and tolerate 100x more radiation than humans.
07Planarian
This worm bypasses the aging process by regenerating part of enzymes which erode during DNA replication. Their regenerative abilities let them regrow their heads if severed.
06Greenland Shark
Have lifespans over 200 years and the only shark that can live in Arctic temperatures all year. Eating their poisonous flash causes drunken behaviour, but can also lead to death.
05Bowhead Whale
The longest living mammal on earth, reaching on estimated 211 years. A whale killed in 2007 had been living with a harpoon stuck in its blubber for over 130 years.
04Clam
Until 2006, the world oldest individual animal was a 507 year old clam killed by scientist studying it. Slow cell replacement means that one sexually mature they remain stable for around 150 years.
03Hexactinellid
Known as glass sponges, they can live for up to 15,000 years. Water trapped inside the sponge is examined to learn about ancient times.
02Tardigrade
This indestructible creature stops its metabolism and dries out when in danger, returning to normal once safe. It can live in boiling water, solid ice radiation and the vacuum in space.
01Turritopsis Dohrnii
Known as the immortal jellyfish, the tiny creature can age in reverse. Returning to its earliest stage of development, it can begin its a life cycle afresh.
Loading...