7 species of creatures will survive nuclear apocalypse: scientists name them

A nuclear explosion is often spoken of as an apocalypse, after which virtually nothing would survive. However, scientists' calculations show that some creatures are still able to withstand high radiation. The bad news is that there are no mammals among them. As well as large enough animals.

However, Gismodo has collected seven such creatures. Presumably, in the event of a nuclear war, they will be the ones to start the whole evolution from the beginning.

Mosquitoes

As a rule, creatures that can live without water can also tolerate high radiation. This applies, in particular, to the Polypedilum vanderplanki mosquitoes that live in Nigeria and Uganda. When dried, the larvae of these creatures successfully withstand gamma radiation, and then, when they get access to water, they return to life.

Nematodes

These bilaterally symmetrical, primary-mouthed worm-like invertebrates live literally everywhere. Scientists know more than 24 species of nematodes. They are considered extremophiles - organisms that can survive in unbearable conditions. Scientists are enthusiastically studying their capabilities and have already established that high doses of radiation can only cause certain problems with the reproductive system.

Scorpions

It is known that scorpions can survive freezing and can tolerate ultraviolet radiation. Several species of scorpions have also demonstrated a great ability to resist radiation exposure. The fat-tailed scorpion has been particularly successful in this regard, withstanding exposure to more than 50,000 roentgens.

Cockroaches

The survivability of cockroaches in the event of a nuclear apocalypse is greatly exaggerated in popular culture. However, studies have shown that these insects can withstand radiation of 64 to 94 gray in laboratory conditions. While a person can be killed by even a negligible 8 grays. So cockroaches will definitely be more successful than us.

The bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans

This type of daino bacterium even got its name in honour of its resistance. Today, Deinococcus radiodurans is considered one of the most radio-resistant organisms in the world. Even a radiation dose of 15,000 gray did not make much of an impression on it. The researchers noted that it not only did not kill it, but also provoked intensive reproduction and growth.

Tardigrades

This microscopic animal is a real delight for researchers because it not only lives everywhere on Earth, but also knows how to survive even in outer space. Just like the mosquito, these creatures come back to life after being dried and are also well protected from radiation exposure. Moreover, it has been discovered that a protein borrowed from Tardigrades can help human cells withstand X-rays.

The bacterium Thermococcus gammatolerans

This thermococcus surprised scientists not only by being able to withstand huge doses of gamma radiation, but also by being able to repair its own DNA damaged by it. When the bacterium was exposed to 30,000 gray, it continued to multiply. While 50% of all life on Earth will die out if it receives 4.5 gray in 30 days.

As OBOZREVATEL wrote, the researchers showed on the map what would happen to Moscow if a nuclear bomb hit it.

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