While the relentless flow of time Shapes the destiny of every creature on Earth, there is a remarkable being who defies the norm, a silent witness to the history of life on our planet.
In a world where life is often measured in decades, this extraordinary being reaches centuries and even millennia of existence!
With an incredible ability to defy time, this creature transports us through the ages geologicalunveiling the secrets of longevity and evolution.
It seems unbelievable, but this living being is up to 11 thousand years old. This time of existence impresses even the scientific community that explores living beings. Check out!
Discover the beings that live for up to 11 thousand years at the bottom of the sea
Image: How we are biology/Reproduction
Glass sponges, known scientifically as hexactinelids (Hexactinellida) form a distinct group of marine sponges that inhabit the depths of oceans.
The name glass sponges refers to the glassy appearance of their skeletons made up of intertwined silica needles. These sponges have adapted to deep environments, where they face extreme pressures and constant darkness.
One of the most notable characteristics of glass sponges is their impressive longevity. Some species have the ability to live for hundreds of years, possibly even millennia, making them among the oldest animals on Earth. This longevity intrigues scientists and suggests unique adaptations to these extreme environments.
Furthermore, glass sponges have significant ecological importance. They provide habitats for other marine species in deep waters, contributing to the biodiversity of these less explored ecosystems. Their complex skeletal structures may also play a role in nutrient cycling.
Are there other animals that can survive for millennia?
Just like the corals, sponges are groupings of animals that can survive for millennia. This is especially notable in glass sponges.
A 2012 study in the journal Chemical Geology highlighted a copy of Monorhaphis chuni which would have lived for around an impressive 11 thousand years! A lot life for a single being.
Image: Hermann Ehrlich, Sascha Heinemann, Christiane Heinemann and Paul Simon (CreativeCommons)/Reproduction
