Even though our species has evolved immensely, humankind still remains quite fragile in comparison to some other creatures living on the planet. If a catastrophic event were to take place, humans would not be the last species on Earth.
Taking a number of potential “doomsday” scenarios into consideration, a group of scientists has identified what they believe will be the last form of life on our planet until the eventual demise of the sun.
One microscopic animal has proved itself to be so incredibly resilient that researchers found it would ultimately be Earth’s sole survivor long after the human species has been eradicated.
From asteroid impacts to exploding stars, there are a number of cataclysmic events that would put an end to our species. However, none would be devastating enough to wipe out all life entirely.
Researchers determined that, until the sun dies, tardigrades would outlast all other species. These water-dwelling, eight-legged micro-animals have a resilience that is unparalleled to all other known life forms.
“To our surprise, we found that although nearby supernovae or large asteroid impacts would be catastrophic for people, tardigrades could be unaffected,” Dr. David Sloan of Oxford University stated.
What makes tardigrades the most indestructible species? These micro-animals are able to survive for up to 30 years without food or water and can endure the extreme heat of up to 150 degrees Celsius (302℉) as well as the freezing temperatures of space.
The scientists took three potential cataclysmic events into consideration while conducting their research, which included a large asteroid impact and exploding stars in the form of supernovae or gamma-ray bursts.
“It seems that life, once it gets going, is hard to wipe out entirely,” Dr. David Sloan said. “Huge numbers of species or even entire genera may become extinct, but life as a whole will go on.”
Dr. Alves Batista of the University of Oxford stated that the existence of the tardigrade doesn’t just prove how life on Earth can continue long after our species, but it also gives hope for the search for extraterrestrial life.
“Tardigrades are as close to indestructible as they get on Earth, but it is possible that there are other resilient species examples in the universe,” Dr. Alves Batista mentioned.
