Spectacular specimens that, defying extinction throughout geological eras, persist as living witnesses of ancient terrestrial biodiversity.
From ancient times on Earth to the present day, certain creatures have defied expectations, standing the test of time and persisting on our planet for millions, even hundreds of millions of years. In this article we will travel through natural history, analyzing the lives of these amazing species, from the mysterious depths of the ocean to the most remote corners of the Earth. Get ready to discover the 12 prehistoric animals that, against all odds, They still exist today.
Dendrogramma: 550 million years
We begin our journey in the ocean depths, where the Dendrogramma is found, a creature that resembles small mushrooms with a rudimentary gastrovascular system. Without nervous system or sexual organs, This strange form of life evolved approximately 550 million years ago and remains a fascinating enigma for humans. marine biologists.
Jellyfish: 500 million years old
In it kingdom of invertebrates, We find jellyfish, creatures that have roamed the world’s oceans for at least 500 million years. With more than 4,000 species, These elegant and ethereal creatures continue to swim in the deep sea.
Horseshoe crab: 445 million years old
Out of the water we find the horseshoe crab, a beach dweller that has lasted for 445 million years. Despite their name, these crabs They are not crabs at all. and are more closely related to spiders and scorpions. With ten eyes, although his vision is limited, They have stood the test of time.
The horseshoe crab, with its distinctive shape and ancient lineage, emerges as a resilient witness to more than 445 million years of evolution.
Coelacanth: 410 million years
In the depths of the ocean, we discovered the coelacanth, a little known fish which has existed for approximately 410 million years. With tiny brains and unique bodies, These fish are a window to our planet’s distant past.
Australian ghost shark: 400 million years old
The Australian ghost shark has wandered the seas for an astonishing 400 million years. Despite his relationship with sharks, These solitary hunters search for prey on the seabed, showing surprising adaptation over the millennia.
Sea lamprey: 340 million years
In the water we find the sea lamprey, a jawless vertebrate which has existed for at least 340 million years. Migrating between oceans and rivers, these creatures cling to fish to feed on their blood, demonstrating a unique survival strategy.
The sea lamprey, an ancient wonder of the oceans, continues to fascinate with its primitive design and, from a scientific perspective, its lack of a jaw reveals evolutionary adaptations that have ensured its survival for more than 340 million years.
Emperor Scorpion: 300 million years old
exploring terrestrial life, we came across the emperor scorpion, one of the largest scorpions in the world, that has resisted for 300 million years. with their mild venom and calm nature, they have become a Popular choice in the exotic pet trade.
Tuatara: 250 million years old
In the lands of New Zealand we find the tuatara, a unique reptile that is completely separated from lizards and dinosaurs. With around 250 million years in their lineage, these fascinating animals offer clues to the evolution of snakes and lizards.
Lizardfish: 215 million years old
In the fresh waters of North America, we discovered the alligator gar, an ancient fish which has persisted for an astonishing 215 million years. Up to 3 meters long and with an appearance reminiscent of crocodiles, these predators They lurk in the continent’s bodies of water.
Gharial: 200 million years
Exploring the rivers of the Indian subcontinent, we find the gharial, a relative of crocodiles which has existed for 200 million years. Facing the threat of extinction, These reptiles slide through rivers, depending on the exposure solar to regulate your body temperature.
The gharial, with its distinctive long, thin snout, is a fascinating example of evolutionary adaptation that has persisted over millions of years, showing remarkable specialization for hunting in aquatic environments.
Chinese giant salamander: 170 million years old
Diving into the jungles of China, we find the Chinese giant salamander, the largest salamander in the world, with some impressive 170 million years old. Despite their imposing size, these creatures are critically endangered and struggle to survive in their fragmented habitats.
Sturgeon fish: 100 million years old
Lastly, we visited the northern hemisphere, where sturgeons, with more than 25 different species, have existed for 100 million years. Although its valuable caviar has led to some species on the verge of extinction, These incredible creatures continue to swim in our rivers and seas.
A resident of fresh and salt waters, the sturgeon is both a culinary gem and a living testament to an evolutionary history that spans 100 million years.
As we analyze these stories of resistance and adaptation, It is clear that, despite catastrophic changes on Earth, these species have endured, offering valuable lessons about the durability of life on our planet. A reminder that, in the vast tapestry of natural history, these prehistoric creatures still have a vital role to play in the mosaic of the biodiversity from the earth.
Prehistoric animals and fictional animals
In a world full of wonders, from the ancient survivors To the fascinating creatures that still elude our understanding, nature remains an open book filled with extraordinary chapters. As we explore the depths of the oceans and trace evolution over millions of years, we cannot ignore the intriguing legends of mysterious creatures, such as the Chupacabra, Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster.
These myths, along with the amazing cryptid animals, cast a pall of mystery over our understanding of the animal kingdom. Furthermore, by immersing ourselves in the diversity of contemporary fauna, From the elusive grey-faced sengi to the hirola, We discover that reality is often stranger than fiction. In this vast scene of life on Earth, the persistence of these prehistoric animals and the strangest contemporary species weaves a narrative that spans millions of years and reminds us the amazing continuity of life on our planet.
What is the oldest animal on Earth?
The oldest animal on Earth is the sea sponge. These simple organisms have existed in the oceans for hundreds of millions of years, with fossils dating back at least 580 million years.
Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
