Animals That Could Survive an Apocalypse

1/5. Which tiny creature can survive near absolute zero, intense heat, vacuum, and high radiation by entering a “tun” state?

Tardigrade: These “water bears” suspend almost all metabolism by curling into a dried-out “tun” and revive years later when water returns. In this state they tolerate vacuum, crushing pressure, thousands of grays of radiation, and survive near absolute zero up to 150 °C. They even endured the harsh conditions of space in 2007.

2/5. Which insect eats almost anything, reproduces rapidly, survives weeks without a head, and tolerates radiation better than humans?

Cockroach: Roaches eat almost anything, breed quickly, and endure long stretches with little food or water. They can survive days to weeks without a head because they breathe through body pores. In a post-disaster world, they could weather drought, cold, and contaminated resources.

3/5. Which marine predator can fast for months, has an extremely low metabolism, and some species may live for centuries?

Shark: Sharks dominate vast oceans and some species fast for months. Cold-water Greenland sharks run extremely low metabolisms and may be the longest-lived vertebrates, surviving centuries on a slow, low-energy strategy.

4/5. This small fish thrives in some of North America’s most polluted estuaries thanks to rapid genetic adaptation. What is it?

Atlantic Killifish: Populations in heavily polluted estuaries evolved defenses against complex chemical mixtures lethal to other fish. They mature quickly and reproduce often, fueling fast evolutionary change and recovery after shocks.

5/5. Which social insect forms “living rafts” during floods, reshaping and healing itself while searching for dry ground?

Fire Ant: Fire ants link into a living raft for days during floods, reshaping and healing while searching for dry ground. Colonies relocate, split, and rebuild rapidly, feeding on almost any resource. Scientists estimate around 20 trillion ants on Earth.