10 oldest animals on earth

A species of some animals on earth survived the most extreme conditions, going through evolution, and thus was able to adapt to new conditions.

These surviving ancient species have improved their skills and physical qualities, and now only partially remind of their ancient ancestors. Such animals can be called living fossils.

All of these oldest species are cyanobacteria that have existed on earth for 2.8 billion years.

10. Ant "Martian find" - 120 million years

The "Martian Find" is a species of ant that was found in 2000 in the tropical forest in the Amazon. They were called Martian ants because they looked completely different from their regular counterparts.

The "Martian Find" is considered the oldest ant species, approximately 120 million years ago. The ants lived underground and had no eyes. They had a hairline that helped them feel the world around them.

The "Martian Find" was able to help scientists study the rest of the ant species in more detail.

9. Frilled shark - 150 million years old

The frilled shark first appeared on earth about 150 million years ago. It is the oldest shark species of its kind.

The frilled shark was discovered in 2007 in the city of Tokyo, Japan. The animal was 5 feet long and had 300 teeth in 25 rows. This shark predominates in the very depths of the ocean, and its liver is large. The animal also has additional physiological adaptations.

Cloak shark is quite rare because it is exposed to excessive water pollution and changes in ocean temperature. The female has the ability to carry embryos for a long time and therefore is considered the animal with the longest gestation.

8. Horseshoe shrimp - 200 million years old

The horseshoe shrimp appeared on earth more than 200 million years ago at the same time as dinosaurs. The horseshoe shrimp is a tiny animal that was discovered in 1955.

The small shrimp was able to adapt to different environmental conditions and geological changes. The eggs of this shrimp may not be born even after many years, and hatch only when the conditions for their emergence are good.

Researchers in the lab helped hatch young shrimp for study.

7. Sturgeon - 200 million years ago

The sturgeon, like the horseshoe shrimp, appeared more than 200 million years ago and is considered the oldest species of the entire genus of bony fish.

The sturgeon has 27 varieties that share similar characteristics. The fish weighs about 441 kg and is found in Eurasia and North America. The fish can live up to 100 years.

The sturgeon lays many eggs, but the people who eat them pose a great threat. These eggs have a high price tag because of the caviar. The sturgeon is a species that is close to extinction, which is why it has been classified as protected.

6. Coelacanth - 360 million years

Coelacanth is an endangered species of fish. She lives in ocean waters at depths of over 2,300 feet.

The fish appeared about 360 million years ago and had a lifespan of 60 years. The fish weighs about 198 kg and is 6.5 feet long. Coelacanth has electrosensitive organs, with which it can easily detect prey, and is able to open its mouth wide to catch more catch.

The fins of this fish form unique movements that are similar to those of a trot. The fin structure of the coelacanth is unique and no longer exists in fish.

5. Horseshoe crab - 445 million years

Horseshoe crabs originated on earth about 445 million years ago and lived in shallow waters.

The crab has a shell, a backbone, and a long tail. Horseshoe crabs have 9 pairs of eyes located all over the body. Several of the crab's eyes are designed for vision, the rest are connected receptors that it uses to control movement.

Horseshoe crabs can sense ultraviolet rays. The crab has five pairs of legs with claws at the tips, with the exception of the last pair. The legs are used for walking, swimming and directing food to the mouth, which is located in the center of the legs.

4. Nautilus - 500 million years

Nautilus appeared on earth about 500 million years ago, even earlier than dinosaurs, and thus is considered a living fossil.

Nautilus can be found in tropical waters as well as Fiji and the Great Barrier Reef, which live at a depth of about 2,200 feet.

The body of the animal has a multi-chambered shell, which makes it look like an octopus. The animal's mouth has 100 small tentacles used to fight predators and prey for food. The nautilus is the last surviving member of the molluscs.

3. Medusa - 550 million years old

Jellyfish originated on earth about 550 million years ago and is considered the oldest polyorganic animal in the whole world.

The jellyfish does not have a brain or nervous system, but it also possesses primitive digestive and sensory organs.

The animal is transparent and jelly-like, since 90% of the body is water. Jellyfish can take many forms and come in a variety of colors. It can be found in all the oceans in the world.

The box jellyfish is the most poisonous jellyfish species on earth. The tentacles of this box jellyfish have more than 5,000 stinging cells that can instantly even kill a person, as well as many other large animals.

2. Sea sponge - 580 million years

The sponge resembles a plant. The sea sponge has no internal organs or other body parts. She produces offspring by vegetative reproduction.

The sponge originated on earth about 580 million years ago, mainly in the ocean, where they live in groups at different depths. It is estimated that the sponge has over 5,000 multiple varieties in the world.

Nowadays, the sea sponge also exists in nature. The bodies of the sponges contain many channels that can provide shelter for small marine life.

1. Cyanobacteria - 2.8 billion years old

Cyanobektria is the oldest known animal species on the entire Earth, which appeared about 280 billion years ago. It is also widely popular under the name Green Bacteria.

Cyanobacteria live in large groups and produce oxygen through photosynthesis, the process through which they obtain energy. Cyanobacteria are considered predominantly the main sources of oxygen today. These bacteria support all oxygen-breathing organisms.

Cyanobacteria multiply through micro-synthesis. The bacteria can be found throughout the world in most aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Cyanobacterial earth crusts prevent erosion and help retain water and strengthen the soil.