Think dinosaurs were the only ones to survive a mass extinction? Think again. While most ancient creatures vanished, some resilient species—including our own distant ancestors—weathered the asteroid impact and have thrived ever since.
Here are 18 astonishing species that have remained practically unchanged for millions of years, bearing witness to Earth’s most turbulent eras.
1. Coelacanth: The “Living Fossil” Fish
Once thought to have gone extinct alongside dinosaurs, the coelacanth shocked the scientific world when it was discovered alive in 1938. Remarkably, these deep-sea dwellers have remained virtually unchanged for an astonishing 100 million years, earning them the title of “living fossils.”
2. Horseshoe Crab: Ancient Arthropod
With a lineage dating back at least 480 million years, horseshoe crabs have witnessed the rise and fall of countless species. Their unique blue blood, used in modern medical testing, (ref) makes them as valuable today as they were in ancient times.
3. Nautilus: Darwin’s Favorite
The nautilus, with its distinctive spiral shell, has a lineage stretching back over 200 million years. Even Charles Darwin was captivated by these cephalopods due to their remarkable ability to survive relatively unchanged for millions of years.
4. Crocodiles & Alligators: Prehistoric Predators
These formidable reptiles have remained largely unchanged for an impressive 95 million years, outlasting their dinosaur contemporaries with remarkable adaptability. Surviving multiple mass extinctions, crocodiles and alligators have proven their resilience in the face of global catastrophes.
5. Lamprey: Jawless Wonder
Lampreys, a type of jawless fish, have been around for over 360 million years, predating even the evolution of jaws in other fish species. By adapting to various aquatic environments, from freshwater streams to the open ocean, these ancient creatures have managed to survive.
6. Tuatara: The Last of Its Kind
The tuatara, a reptile native to New Zealand, is the sole survivor of an ancient reptile order that dates back 250 million years. The tuatara has remained relatively unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs.
7. Ginkgo biloba: The Living Tree Fossil
Ginkgo biloba, also known as the “maidenhair tree,” has remained virtually unchanged for over 200 million years. Surviving multiple extinction events, this ancient tree species has demonstrated remarkable resilience.
8. Sturgeon: Ancient Armored Fish
Sturgeons, often referred to as “living fossils,” have been swimming in our waters for over 200 million years. The distinctive armor plates of these fish serve as a testament to their ancient lineage, which has remained largely unchanged since the age of dinosaurs.
9. Platypus: Mammalian Oddity
While not as old as some species on this list, the platypus represents an early branch of mammalian evolution. Retaining features that were present in its ancestors during the time of the dinosaurs, this unique egg-laying mammal is a fascinating glimpse into the past.
10. Tadpole Shrimp: Tiny Time Capsule
Tadpole shrimp, small crustaceans found in temporary pools and wetlands, have remained virtually unchanged for over 200 million years. Being able to adapt to extreme environments and withstanding long periods of drought, these creatures have managed to survive against all odds.
11. Lungfish: Air-Breathing Aquatic Survivor
With a lineage stretching back 400 million years, lungfish represent a crucial evolutionary link between aquatic and terrestrial vertebrates. The unique ability of these ancient fish to breathe air has allowed them to survive in environments with low oxygen levels.
12. Horseshoe Shrimp: Prehistoric Pool Dweller
Horseshoe shrimp, tiny crustaceans found in temporary pools worldwide, have remained largely unchanged for over 200 million years. While adapting to the harsh conditions of their ephemeral habitats, these resilient creatures have managed to survive for millions of years.
13. Velvet Worm: Ancient Arthropod Relative
Velvet worms are soft-bodied invertebrates with a lineage dating back over 500 million years to the Cambrian period. Secreting a sticky slime to capture prey and defend themselves, these ancient arthropod relatives have survived by adapting to their environments.
14. Cycad: Prehistoric Plant
Cycads, palm-like plants with a distinctive crown of leaves, have been around for over 280 million years. These ancient plants have survived multiple mass extinctions, including the one that wiped out the dinosaurs. (ref)
15. Monotremes: Egg-Laying Mammals
Monotremes, including the platypus and echidnas, represent an ancient mammalian lineage that diverged from other mammals over 166 million years ago. Retaining many ancestral features, these unique egg-laying mammals provide a glimpse into the early evolution of mammals.
16. Brachiopod: Ancient Shelled Creature
Brachiopods, such as the genus Lingula, have remained virtually unchanged for about 500 million years, making them one of the oldest known animal genera with living representatives. Adapting to various marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to deep-sea habitats, these ancient shelled creatures have managed to survive.
17. Crinoid: Sea Lily Survivor
Crinoids, also known as “sea lilies,” are marine animals with a fossil record dating back at least 359 million years. Adapting to changing ocean conditions and evolving various feeding strategies, these ancient echinoderms have managed to survive for millions of years.
18. Goblin Shark: Deep-Sea Relic
The goblin shark, a rarely seen deep-sea species, has a lineage dating back to the Cretaceous period. Often referred to as a “living fossil” due to its primitive features, the goblin shark has survived by adapting to the extreme conditions of the deep ocean.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.