Species like the Dendrogramma, Coelacanth, and Emperor Scorpion have survived for hundreds of millions of years, making them vital to understanding the history of life on our planet.This exploration of these extraordinary animals highlights their evolutionary significance and the incredible journey they’ve undergone to remain among us today.
List of ancient animals that have survived millions of years
The oldest animals that are still alive
Dendrogramma
Dendrogramma are unusual creatures that resemble tiny mushrooms and lack sex organs and a nervous system, instead having a simple gastrovascular system. Their ancient lineage captivated marine biologists when they were originally identified in 2014, having evolved into their current form around 550 million years ago.
Jellyfish
There are currently approximately 4,000 species of jellyfish, which are invertebrates that have been around for at least 500 million years. Jellyfish are not fish, despite their name; they do not have backbones, gills, scales, or fins. Occasionally, they organise into large clusters called flowers.
Horseshoe Crab
Horseshoe crabs have remained largely unchanged for 445 million years. Though their name suggests otherwise, they are more closely related to spiders and scorpions than to true crabs. Equipped with ten eyes, they have poor vision. Historically, they were commonly consumed in Southeast Asia, but their numbers have declined due to their use as bait.
Coelacanth
Coelacanths are ancient lobed fish that have existed for about 410 million years. Found around 2,300 feet below sea level, they are among the earliest examples of jawed fish.
Australian Ghost shark
The Australian ghost shark, or elephant fish, has been around for approximately 400 million years. Although related to sharks and cartilaginous like them, they are distinct from sharks. They are solitary and forage for small prey on the seafloor. Rediscovered in 1938, they were thought to be extinct.
Sea Lamprey
Lampreys, jawless vertebrates with toothed suckers, have been on Earth for at least 340 million years. While they resemble eels, they are not related. Sea lampreys migrate from oceans to rivers and lakes to mate, feeding on the blood of fish such as lake sturgeon and salmon.
Emperor Scorpion
Emperor scorpions, among the largest scorpions at nearly eight inches long, have existed for 300 million years. Native to West Africa, they inhabit rainforests and savannahs. Their mild venom and non-aggressive nature make them popular in the exotic pet trade.
Echidna
The platypus’s close relative, a species resembling a mix between a porcupine and a hedgehog, is at least 110 million years old, making it the oldest surviving mammal species. Native to Oceania, it is one of the few mammals that lay eggs, like the platypus.
Alligator gar
Alligator gars have been virtually unchanged for around 100 million years, dating back to the early Cretaceous period. Their unchanged form has contributed to their continued success, and they are currently not at risk of extinction.
Musk oxen
Musk oxen, native to the upper regions of North America, have been around for nearly 200,000 years, almost as long as modern humans.
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