Cyanobacteria are known as the oldest living organisms on Earth, dating back 2.1 to 2.8 billion years.
Water Chestnut: 66 – 145 million years (time of appearance on Earth).
Martialis heureka Ant: 120 million years: Although the name may sound unusual, this species of ant is one of the oldest, discovered in the Amazon rainforest. Its name means “Mars ant” due to its behavior, which is very different from that of other ants on Earth. Martialis heureka has existed on this planet for 120 million years. This pale-colored ant measures 3 mm in length, has no eyes, and lives underground.
Wollemi Pine: 145 million years.
Frilled Shark: > 150 million years: This species of frilled shark was discovered in Tokyo, Japan, in 2007. It has existed for over 150 million years, still thriving in the deep waters of the ocean today. This shark measures 1.5 meters in length and has 300 needle-like teeth arranged in 25 rows. Its peculiar mouth makes it appear larger than other shark species. Although it still exists, the frilled shark population is very low due to excessive pollution and changing ocean temperatures.
Horseshoe Crab: > 200 million years: Horseshoe crabs have coexisted with dinosaurs, around 200 million years ago. They are extremely small, measuring only 2 to 4 mm. However, this species has incredible adaptability, withstanding harsh living conditions and geological changes. This is why they have survived until today.
Wollemi Pine: > 200 million years.
Sturgeon: > 200 million years: Among bony fish, sturgeon is the oldest species. They have been present on Earth for 200 million years. Today, sturgeon can still be found in various regions, including Europe, Asia, and North America. In Vietnam, sturgeon is a highly valued fish, both for its meat and roe. This has pushed them onto the list of critically endangered species, despite producing a large number of eggs per spawning.
Sturgeon still exists in many regions, including Europe, Asia, and North America.
Japanese Cedar: > 230 million years.
Ginkgo: > 280 million years.
Clubmoss: > 300 million years.
Kauri Pine: 298 – 358 million years.
Coelacanth: 360 million years: There are two species of coelacanth, primarily found in Africa and Indonesia. This fish has a lifespan of around 60 years and has survived and evolved for 360 million years. They move like a water horse, measuring about 2 meters in length and weighing around 90 kg.
Moss: 470 million years.
Horseshoe Crab: > 445 million years: Horseshoe crabs have been around for 445 million years, primarily living in shallow seas. They have hard shells, long tails, and spines. This species has a total of 9 eyes scattered across its body, with only 2 used more frequently; the others are for light perception and toxin control. Horseshoe crabs are unique in their ability to sense ultraviolet light.
Living Fossil (Nautilus): 500 million years: Long before dinosaurs appeared and dominated the Earth, the Nautilus was present. It is now the only surviving member of its shelled animal group. This species is found in the tropical waters of the Andaman Sea, Fiji, and the Great Barrier Reef. Scientists consider the Nautilus a living fossil, found only at depths greater than 670 meters.
Long before dinosaurs appeared, the Nautilus existed on Earth.
Jellyfish: > 550 million years: Despite their fragile appearance, jellyfish are the oldest multi-organ animals in the world, existing for over 550 million years. They lack brains and nervous systems, coming in various shapes and colors. Notably, jellyfish inhabit all oceans. The coasts of Vietnam are also home to many jellyfish. Among all jellyfish species, box jellyfish is the most venomous.
Fractal Animals: > 580 million years: Fractal animals resemble trees and comprise 5,000 different species on Earth. They have existed since 580 million years ago, living in diverse shallow and deep water environments. Fractal animals lack internal organs, limbs, or heads. However, they possess remarkable abilities to regenerate lost body parts.
Shape-shifting Protozoa: 780 – 800 million years.
Cyanobacteria: 2.1 – 2.8 billion years: The oldest organisms on Earth are cyanobacteria. They were the first bacteria to produce oxygen through photosynthesis. In other words, thanks to cyanobacteria, Earth’s atmosphere transformed into an oxygen-rich environment. This species is also known as blue-green bacteria.
