If a nuclear war were to break out, would it all come to an end, or would mutated creatures from radiation take over as the dominant beings on Earth?
Creatures That Could Survive a Nuclear Disaster
The reality is not so simple. With extraordinary resilience, many animal species are not at risk of extinction from radiation and could continue to thrive even in the event of a nuclear war.
1. Cockroaches
It would be remiss not to mention cockroaches. They survived the impact of the Chicxulub asteroid, the disaster that wiped out the dinosaurs, so they have a high chance of surviving the next global catastrophe.
Cockroaches are known to withstand radiation and were found not far from the site of the nuclear bombing in Hiroshima, while all other organisms were wiped out. About 10% of them can survive radiation levels of 10,000 rads. Their survival is attributed to their slow growth rate, with their cells regenerating every 48 hours, reducing the risk of mutations.
Another factor in their success is their body size and eating habits. These flat-bodied insects can squeeze into small crevices where other organisms cannot find shelter, even underground. Additionally, they are not reliant on a single food source and will eat almost anything, including substances not typically considered food.
2. Scorpions
One of the most resilient creatures on the planet is the scorpion. Although there has been no official study on the radiation levels scorpions can withstand, they are believed to be able to endure nuclear fallout better than most other animals on Earth. Many studies suggest that scorpions can survive high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun, and some even glow in the dark.
Scorpions have existed on Earth for millions of years and continue to thrive. They are often found in cracks and caves, which increases their chances of survival and provides additional protection from radiation and its effects. Their already ideal shape grants them high levels of resistance and they have changed little throughout their evolutionary history.
3. Braconid Wasps
Braconid wasps (family Braconidae) are tiny wasps that are easily identifiable even without expert help. Members of this family rarely exceed 15mm in length in adulthood. Some species are drab while others are brightly colored. Braconids are sometimes mistaken for camouflaged wasps.
These wasps are parasitic and can withstand radiation up to 300 times more than humans. They can live healthily even when exposed to radiation levels as high as 180,000 rads (the bomb in Hiroshima had only 10,000 rads). Interestingly, these wasps can be trained to “sniff” and detect explosives and hazardous materials.
4. Lingulata
Lingulata, a name derived from Latin meaning “tongue” due to the shape of its shell, is a type of brachiopod that lives on the seabed, possessing shells on both top and bottom. This species has survived numerous mass extinction events without any significant impact, outliving 99% of all organisms that have ever existed on Earth. They bury themselves and await the opportunity to thrive once conditions improve.
5. Fruit Flies
Fruit flies belong to a complex family of flies that includes various species of fruit flies. This family is commonly used in scientific research, particularly in biology, especially the common fruit fly in the genus Drosophila. Fruit flies are utilized in experiments to illustrate genetic mutations.
Fruit flies can withstand around 64,000 rads of radiation. Their small body size means they have fewer cells affected by radiation and a smaller surface area to absorb it.
In contrast to other organisms with slow cell growth rates, fruit flies have an exceptionally rapid growth rate. This allows them to evolve and adapt to their environment quickly.
6. Mummichog Fish
Mummichog fish can be found in the Atlantic Ocean off the coasts of the United States and Canada. They differ from typical fish in that they can thrive in any environment, regardless of pollution, temperature, or chemical content. They have even been taken to space and survived. In 1973, they were brought to a space laboratory to test their survival capabilities: they swam and reproduced normally.
Their ability to turn genes on and off as needed correlates with their survival skills. This allows the fish to withstand various chemical compositions, temperatures, and salt concentrations. They have been observed “redesigning” different body parts to adapt to new environments.
7. Tardigrades
Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are extremophiles capable of surviving the harshest conditions. They can be crushed, frozen, endure boiling water, live in space, and exist without water. These creatures can revive after being dead for 10 years. They are tiny, measuring about 1.55 mm in length, and are at low risk of being affected by radiation.
Tardigrades can survive in nearly every extreme environment that Earth can produce. According to National Geographic, they are the toughest animals on Earth. They can survive in sand dunes, at high altitudes, and even when frozen.
Scientists have discovered a type of protein named Dsup that can protect the genetic material in each tardigrade cell, creating a small shield against dangerous particles. Because of this, they can survive high radiation levels that most other organisms cannot. Some even speculate that they could survive on the Moon.
8. Single-Celled Organisms
Although they are the simplest form of life, single-celled organisms could be the predecessors of future life forms. When faced with adverse conditions, single-celled organisms can create a protective layer and enter a state of “hibernation.”
With their strong radiation resistance and being unicellular, mutations are not a significant concern for them.
The number of single-celled organisms is immense, and due to their small size, they are likely candidates to survive a nuclear disaster.
9. Deinococcus Radiodurans Bacteria
Dubbed the “Conan Bacteria,” if it cannot survive, then nothing else can.
With the ability to self-repair DNA at an incredibly fast rate, these organisms are being utilized in various fields, from cleaning pollution to medical research.
So far, the secrets of the capabilities of Conan bacteria remain largely unexplored.
10. E. Coli Bacteria
The five organisms mentioned above are all animals. However, scientists believe that some microorganisms also have the ability to survive global pandemics or disasters.
One such organism is E. Coli, a bacterium that lives in the intestines of humans and other animals. In addition to surviving in both living and dead organisms, E. Coli can withstand radiation environments up to six times more than the human threshold. They can also develop resistance extremely quickly, enabling E. Coli to survive even unexpected disasters.
11. The Devil Worm
This fearsome-sounding organism is actually a species of roundworm, very small and only visible under a microscope, with the ability to survive in extremely harsh temperatures and pressures. The Devil Worm was first discovered in 2011, approximately 3.5 kilometers below the Earth’s surface.
Living in complete darkness, the Devil Worm only feeds on tiny bacteria and is currently known as the organism living at the deepest known depths in the world. In the event of an apocalypse, it would certainly be one of the least affected organisms.
12. Ants
Ants are a family of insects belonging to the order Hymenoptera. Species within this family are highly social, capable of living in large colonies that can number in the millions. Many ant colonies can spread over vast areas of land, forming super-colonies.
There are approximately 12,000 different species of ants, inhabiting various environments and temperatures worldwide. Scientists believe that this organism can survive in a range of temperatures, pressures, and weather conditions.
Notably, scientists have indicated that ants will ‘sacrifice’ or, more accurately, eliminate sick members of their colony. This behavior helps them prevent the spread of disease and enhances their chances of surviving epidemics.
13. Humans
Since humans are dispersed across the globe, if a nuclear war were to occur, it is unlikely that everyone would be affected by radiation simultaneously. Additionally, humans have numerous opportunities to flee to shelters to avoid radiation, thus increasing their chances of survival.
