5 animals that can survive a global disaster

 The list was proposed by zoologist Eleanor Higgs, a graduate of Reading University, UK.

Water bear

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Even though water bears are only about 100 - 1,000 microns in size, they are capable of surviving in almost any harsh environment that Earth can create. They can survive on sand dunes, at high altitudes and still live even when frozen. That's why they are the most difficult animals to destroy on Earth.

Water bears have a protein called Dsup that can protect the genetic material in each of their cells, creating a small shield against dangerous particles that helps them survive the high radiation levels that most Other creatures cannot.

Cockroaches

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Cockroaches survived the collision between Earth and the asteroid Chicxulub, the disaster that wiped out the dinosaurs. So if the next global disaster happens they have a pretty good chance of surviving.

Thanks to their flat bodies, they can squeeze into small gaps that other creatures cannot reach a safe shelter, even underground. Additionally, they eat almost everything, including things not normally considered food. Another special feature of this flat-bodied species is that they have excellent poison resistance, making them one of the most difficult creatures to eliminate.

Vulture

Vultures not only survive but can thrive with so many zombies around. Vultures have the ability to digest even "difficult" bacteria thanks to their specially evolved stomach with acid.

Shark

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A global disaster could bring many problems to the ocean such as rising sea levels, acidification.

Greenland sharks have survived both world wars and nuclear weapons testing. They have an extremely long lifespan, up to 400 years.

Sharks appeared on Earth before there were trees and before Saturn had rings, so if there was a global disaster, it is likely that at least one of the 500 shark species would survive.

Emperor penguin

Emperor penguins can survive the harshest temperatures in cold Antarctica for weeks without eating thanks to their fat reserves, including wind speeds of 200 km/h and heat levels - 50 degrees Celsius.

They can also avoid the spread of diseases because they live in the most remote areas of the planet.

Jessica Tanner

Update 13 June 2024