The discussion around who would emerge as the dominant life form after a global cataclysm is a popular topic on the internet, particularly when considering the potential consequences of such a disaster.
Unfortunately for humankind, if the world were to be destroyed, our prospects of survival are grim.
In the aftermath of an apocalyptic event, humans are unlikely to survive, but there is one unique animal that might endure according to a study conducted by scientists.
A team from the University of Oxford and Harvard University identified the organism most likely to make it through in a 2017 study that explored the resilience of life to cosmic events.
This research extended beyond our planet to assess potential space-related threats, setting aside concerns like deforestation, wildfires, or nuclear conflict to focus on existential dangers from beyond Earth.
The researchers concentrated on occurrences that could ‘completely sterilise an Earth-like planet,’ examining three cosmic phenomena: supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, significant asteroid collisions, and nearby stars.
Given the intensity of these events, which could vaporize all the water in Earth’s oceans, humans would not survive; however, there is one organism that stands a chance.
This survivor is the tardigrade, not typically considered a domestic companion.
Also referred to as ‘water bears’ or ‘moss piglets,’ tardigrades are almost microscopic aquatic creatures with flattened heads, eight limbs, and chunky bodies.
Though they are quite adorable, their toughness should not be underestimated.
Commenting on the research results, study co-author Dr David Sloan stated: “To our surprise we found that although nearby supernovae or large asteroid impacts would be catastrophic for people, tardigrades could be unaffected.
“Therefore it seems that life, once it gets going, is hard to wipe out entirely. Huge numbers of species, or even entire genera may become extinct, but life as a whole will go on.”
Tardigrades ensure their survival by entering a dormant state known as cryptobiosis.
During this phase, they expel over 95 percent of the water from their bodies and can withstand temperatures ranging from -460°F to 302°F, as well as extreme pressure and intense radiation.
Clearly, a bit of snow would not bother them at all.