10 prehistoric animals that are still alive today | – Times of India
Species such as Dendrogramma, Coelacanth and Emperor Scorpion have been around for hundreds of millions of years, making them important to understanding the history of life on our planet. living among us today.
List of ancient animals that survived millions of years
The oldest living animals
Dendrogram
Dendrogramma are unusual mushroom-like creatures that are small and do not have sexual organs and a nervous system, instead of having a simple gastrovascular system. Their ancient lineage intrigued marine biologists when they were first identified in 2014, having evolved into their current shape 550 million years ago.
Jellyfish
There are now about 4,000 species of jellyfish, which are invertebrates that have existed for at least 500 million years. Jellyfish are not fish, despite their name; they have no back, fins, fins, or fins. Sometimes, they organize large groups called flowers.
Horseshoe Crab
Horseshoe crabs have remained largely unchanged for 445 million years. Although their name suggests something different, they are more closely related to spiders and scorpions than to true crabs. Since they have ten eyes, they cannot see well. Historically, they were commonly used in Southeast Asia, but their numbers have declined due to their use as bait.
Coelacanths
Coelacanths are ancient lobed fish that have been around for about 410 million years. Found about 2,300 feet below sea level, they are one of the oldest examples of jawed fish. .
Australian ghost shark
Australian ghost sharks, or elephant fish, have existed for about 400 million years. Although they are related to sharks and cartilaginous like them, they are different from sharks. They are solitary and forage for small prey on the sea floor. They were rediscovered in 1938, thought to be extinct.
Sea Lamprey
Lampreys, jawless invertebrates with toothed beaks, have been on Earth for at least 340 million years. Although they resemble eels, they are not related. Sea lampreys migrate from oceans to rivers and lakes to mate, feeding on the blood of fish such as lake sturgeon and salmon.
The emperor Scorpion
Emperor scorpions, among the largest scorpions that are about eight inches long, have existed for 300 million years. Being native to West Africa, they live in rainforests and grasslands. Their mild toxicity and non-aggressive nature make them popular in the pet trade.
Echidna
A close relative of the platypus, a cross between a porcupine and a hedgehog, is at least 110 million years old, making it the oldest living mammal. and there. Native to Oceania, it is one of the few mammals that lay eggs, like the platypus.
Alligator even
Alligator gars have remained relatively unchanged for about 100 million years, since the early Cretaceous period. Their consistent nature has contributed to their continued success, and they are not currently in danger of extinction.
Musk cows
Musk cattle, native to the highlands of North America, have been around for about 200,000 years, about as long as modern humans.
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