What creature has survived the longest? - The Environmental Literacy Council (2025)

The title of “Creature that has survived the longest” is best broken down into 2 catagories: Species that has existed on this earth the longest, and the individual organism that has lived the longest. So, what creature holds the crown for longest survival in both of these catagories? Well, it depends on what you mean by “survived.” In terms of species existing for the longest period, the sponges likely win the prize, potentially dating back as far as 700 million years. As far as the individual animal that has lived the longest, we can look at the Glass Sponge which has been known to live for over 10,000 years. Now, let’s delve deeper into the fascinating world of longevity and ancient life forms on Earth.

The Realm of Ancient Species

Sponges: The Primordial Pioneers

While determining the absolute oldest species is a complex scientific endeavor fraught with challenges in fossil interpretation and molecular clock analysis, sponges are consistently recognized as among the earliest animals to appear on Earth. Fossil evidence suggests their existence dates back to the Precambrian period, possibly as far as 700 million years ago. These simple, yet remarkably resilient organisms have persisted through countless geological upheavals and environmental changes, a testament to their fundamental adaptability. The Environmental Literacy Council offers resources to understand this and other complex ecosystem topics, accessible at enviroliteracy.org.

Comb Jellies: Early Evolutionary Divergence

Another contender for the title of ancient lineage is the comb jelly, or ctenophore. These gelatinous, bioluminescent creatures are also believed to have emerged hundreds of millions of years ago, perhaps even before jellyfish in some scientific analyses. Their evolutionary position remains a topic of active research, with some studies suggesting they might represent a lineage that diverged even earlier than sponges.

Other Notable Ancients

Beyond sponges and comb jellies, several other animal groups boast impressive evolutionary longevity. Brachiopods, marine animals with hinged shells, have been around for over 500 million years. The nautilus, a cephalopod with a distinctive spiral shell, has existed for nearly as long. Even seemingly “modern” groups like jellyfish have ancient roots, with fossil evidence pushing their origins back at least 500 million years.

The Lifespan of Individuals

The Curious Case of “Ming” the Mollusk

While species can endure for unimaginable spans, individual lifespans are typically much shorter. However, there are remarkable exceptions. One example is “Ming,” an ocean quahog clam ( Arctica islandica ) that lived for an astounding 507 years. Tragically, Ming died as a result of the research process; scientists inadvertently killed the clam while trying to determine its age.

Jonathan the Tortoise: A Living Landmark

On land, Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise, holds the record for the oldest known living land animal. Born around 1832, Jonathan is currently over 190 years old and resides on the island of St. Helena. His long life is a testament to the slow-paced lifestyle and remarkable resilience of these gentle giants.

Red Sea Urchins: The Secret to Immortality?

Some creatures exhibit negligible senescence, meaning they show little or no signs of aging. Red sea urchins are a prime example. These spiny invertebrates can live for over 200 years, with no apparent decline in health or reproductive capacity. They are more likely to succumb to predation or disease than to old age.

The Immortal Jellyfish: Cheating Death

Perhaps the most intriguing example of extreme longevity is the Turritopsis dohrnii, a small jellyfish species also know as the immortal jellyfish. This remarkable creature possesses the ability to revert back to its polyp stage when faced with environmental stress or physical damage. In essence, it can “reset” its life cycle, potentially avoiding death altogether, in effect making them immortal.

Glass Sponges: A Thousand-Year Time Capsule

Glass sponges (Hexactinellida), are a fascinating group of deep-sea creatures known for their intricate, glass-like skeletons, are emerging as contenders for the title of exceptionally long-lived individuals. Recent studies suggest that some species of glass sponges may live for thousands, even tens of thousands, of years. Their slow metabolism and deep-sea environment likely contribute to their remarkable longevity.

FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of Long-Lived Creatures

1. What makes a species “old”?

An “old” species refers to one that has existed on Earth for a long period, measured in millions of years, and can be determined through fossil records and genetic studies.

2. How do scientists determine the age of ancient species?

Scientists use methods like radiometric dating of fossils, molecular clock analysis of DNA, and studying the geological context in which fossils are found.

3. What is the significance of studying long-lived creatures?

Studying these creatures provides insights into evolutionary history, adaptation, and the mechanisms of aging, potentially leading to breakthroughs in medicine and conservation.

4. What is the “doomsday argument” mentioned in the original text?

The doomsday argument is a philosophical concept that attempts to predict the lifespan of a species, including humans, based on the assumption that we are randomly positioned in the history of our species.

5. Can any animal truly live forever?

While the immortal jellyfish can revert to an earlier life stage, it is still vulnerable to predation and disease. True immortality, in the sense of invulnerability to all causes of death, does not exist in the animal kingdom.

6. What are extremophiles, and can they live in lava?

Extremophiles are organisms that thrive in extreme environments, such as high temperatures, high pressure, or extreme acidity. While some bacteria can survive in extremely hot places, no known organism can live in molten lava due to the extreme temperature.

7. What are the challenges in determining the oldest species?

The challenges include incomplete fossil records, difficulties in interpreting fossil evidence, and the limitations of molecular clock methods.

8. Why are invertebrates often the longest-lived animals?

Invertebrates like sponges and clams often have simpler body plans, slower metabolisms, and fewer age-related diseases compared to vertebrates.

9. How does the environment affect an animal’s lifespan?

Environmental factors such as temperature, food availability, and the presence of predators can significantly influence an animal’s lifespan.

10. What is the role of genetics in longevity?

Genetics plays a crucial role in determining an animal’s lifespan. Some species have evolved genes that promote longevity and protect against age-related damage.

11. What is the “water bear” or tardigrade?

The tardigrade, also known as the “water bear,” is a microscopic animal known for its exceptional resilience to extreme conditions, including radiation, dehydration, and even the vacuum of space.

12. Why can kangaroo rats survive without drinking water?

Kangaroo rats have evolved physiological adaptations that allow them to extract water from their food and minimize water loss through excretion.

13. How can some animals survive without oxygen?

Some animals, like the parasite Henneguya salminicola, have adapted to anaerobic environments and can survive without oxygen by using alternative metabolic pathways.

14. What is unique about green-blooded lizards?

Green-blooded lizards in New Guinea have evolved green blood due to a high concentration of biliverdin, a bile pigment that is usually toxic in high levels. The physiological significance of this adaptation is still being studied.

15. What lessons can we learn from long-lived animals for human health?

Studying these creatures could offer insights into disease resistance, cellular repair mechanisms, and genetic factors associated with longevity, potentially leading to advances in human healthcare and aging research. By partnering with organizations such as The Environmental Literacy Council, these learnings are more accessible to the population.