Did you know there are animals walking around today that
were alive when dinosaurs ruled the Earth? It's like having a real-life time
machine. Have you ever seen an ancient fish that might have been swimming when
dinosaurs roamed the Earth? How about those that have roamed the earth for over
500 million years, witnessing the rise and fall of the dinosaurs themselves?
You're in for a real surprise!
Welcome back to another amazing episode of 4 Ever Green. Today, we’ll show you
“15 ancient creatures that are still alive.” These "living fossils"
have witnessed millions of years of history, and they're still here today. From
giant fish that look like they're from another planet to tiny worms with super
sticky tricks, you'll be amazed by these living links to the past. And just
wait until you hear about a mysterious deep-dweller whose lineage goes back
nearly 400 million years! Keep watching. Ready? Click subscribe, and let’s jump
right in!
15. Tuatara:
The tuatara, a remarkable reptile native to New Zealand, is
often referred to as a "living dinosaur." Despite its lizard-like
appearance, the tuatara is not a lizard but belongs to a unique group of
reptiles called Sphenodontia, which flourished around 200 million years ago.
Today, the tuatara is the only surviving member of this ancient lineage. What
makes the tuatara truly extraordinary is its ability to remain almost unchanged
throughout millions of years. The tuatara boasts several distinctive features,
such as a third "parietal" eye on the top of its head, which is
thought to help regulate its body temperature and hormone production, although
its full purpose remains a mystery. Tuataras thrive in cooler temperatures,
unusual for reptiles, and can live up to over 100 years. Their slow metabolism
and unique breeding habits, which include extremely long incubation periods of
up to 15 months for their eggs, contribute to their long lifespan.
Predominantly nocturnal, these creatures are fierce predators at night, feeding
on insects, eggs, and small vertebrates.
14. Alligator Gar:
The alligator gar is a fish that takes us back 100 million
years through the corridors of time. Found primarily in the rivers and lakes of
the Southern United States, this fish is renowned for its formidable size and
prehistoric appearance, including a long, tooth-filled snout that resembles
that of an alligator, hence its name. One of the most fascinating aspects of
the alligator gar is its ganoid scales, which are thick, diamond-shaped scales
that act like a natural armor. These scales are not only a defense mechanism
but also a remarkable holdover from its ancient ancestors. Alligator gars are
among the largest freshwater fishes in North America, capable of growing up to
10 feet long and weighing over 300 pounds. They are ambush predators, relying
on their stealth and speed to catch prey, which includes fish, waterfowl, and
small mammals. Despite their fearsome appearance and predatory nature, alligator
gars are generally not a threat to humans unless provoked.
13. Velvet Worms:
Predating the dinosaurs, velvet worms have been crawling the Earth for
over 500 million years. These creatures belong to the phylum
Onychophora. Their name comes from their soft, velvet-like skin, which covers
their elongated bodies. Despite their worm-like appearance, velvet worms are
closer to arthropods, sharing some characteristics with both arachnids and
annelids. They typically measure between 0.5 to 8 inches in length and are
found in tropical and subtropical rainforests, thriving in moist, shaded
environments. Velvet worms are nocturnal predators, using a unique method of
capture: they shoot a sticky, glue-like substance from glands located near
their mouths to entrap their prey, which usually includes smaller insects and
other small invertebrates. Once their prey is immobilized, they use their sharp
jaws to inject digestive saliva that liquefies the internal parts of the prey,
which are then sucked out.
If you liked this video so far, leave a like and you can also check out 10 Ancient Creatures That Are
Still Alive on our channel 4 Ever Green.
12. Emperor Scorpions:
The emperor scorpion, with a lineage dating back 300
million years, is one of the most iconic and well-recognized members of the
scorpion family. Native to the rainforests and savannas of West Africa, these
scorpions are among the largest in the world, growing up to 8 inches in length.
The emperor scorpion's black to dark blue body is robust and equipped with a
large, imposing set of pincers and a venomous stinger, which they use primarily
for defense and to subdue prey. Despite their menacing appearance, their venom
is relatively mild to humans, making them a popular choice among exotic pet
enthusiasts. What really sets the emperor scorpion apart from other modern
scorpions is its very primitive body structure, which has remained largely
unchanged throughout its evolutionary history. Emperor scorpions primarily feed
on insects. Their hunting technique involves detecting prey through vibrations
in the ground. Once detected, the prey is swiftly grabbed with their pincers
and subdued with a sting if necessary.
11. Australian Ghost Shark:
The Australian ghost shark, also known as the elephant
shark, casts a mysterious shadow in the deep waters off the coasts of Australia
and New Zealand. This creature, which has swum the oceans for approximately 400
million years, belongs to a group of cartilaginous fishes that includes sharks
and rays, but it stands out due to its unique evolutionary path. Ghost sharks
are known for their distinctively large, elephant-like snouts which they use to
detect electric fields generated by their prey. This ability allows them to
hunt effectively in the murky depths where light is scarce. Their diet mainly
consists of small invertebrates and fish, which they crush using their
specially adapted, plate-like teeth. Despite their ancient lineage, ghost
sharks are relatively small, usually reaching about 4 feet in length, and their
bodies are more flexible and less robust compared to their shark relatives.
This flexibility is likely an adaptation that has enabled their survival
through various geological periods.
10. Echidnas:
Echidnas, or spiny anteaters, are one of the most
extraordinary examples of ancient life that still roams the Earth. These
creatures have been around for 110 million years, surviving the age of the
dinosaurs and witnessing the rise and fall of countless species. Echidnas,
along with the platypus, are the only surviving members of the monotremes—an
ancient group of egg-laying mammals. These small, solitary animals are best
known for their spiny coats, which provide protection from predators. Their
diet consists primarily of ants and termites, which they consume using their
long, sticky tongues. Echidnas are equipped with strong, clawed feet, making
them excellent diggers. They use this skill not only to find food but also to
burrow into the ground for safety. Echidnas have adapted to a variety of
environments across Australia and New Guinea, from snowy mountains to deserts,
showcasing their incredible adaptability.
9. Coelacanth:
Long thought to have gone extinct with the dinosaurs around
65 million years ago, this ancient fish astonished the scientific community
when it was rediscovered alive in 1938 off the coast of South Africa. The
discovery of the coelacanth, often referred to as a "living fossil,"
has provided unparalleled insights into the Earth's evolutionary past.
Coelacanths are large, deep-sea creatures, reaching lengths of up to six feet
and weighing as much as 200 pounds. They are known for their distinctive lobed
fins, which move in a peculiar, limb-like motion that gives an insight into the
transition of aquatic animals to land dwellers. Their bodies are covered in
thick, scaly armor, which has changed little over millions of years, suggesting
a highly successful adaptation strategy. What makes coelacanths particularly
fascinating is their method of internal fertilization and live birth, a rare
trait among fish.
Talking about fishes, you can also checkout our video on Top 10 Largest Fish Alive on
Planet Earth.
8. Horseshoe Crab:
The horseshoe crab is another extraordinary survivor from
the ancient world. With a lineage dating back over 450 million years, horseshoe
crabs predate even the dinosaurs, making them one of the oldest living species
on Earth. Their unique, helmet-shaped shells and long, spiked tails make them easily
recognizable and a subject of fascination and study. These "living
fossils" are more closely related to spiders and scorpions than to true
crabs. They inhabit shallow ocean waters on soft, sandy or muddy bottoms where
they feed on worms and other small invertebrates. Their blue blood, which
contains copper-based hemocyanin to transport oxygen, is highly valuable to
medical research, particularly because it contains substances that can detect
bacterial endotoxins in medications. Horseshoe crabs undergo a fascinating
breeding process each spring, when they migrate to beaches to lay their eggs in
the sand, a sight that attracts various predators, including migratory birds
that rely heavily on these eggs for nourishment.
7. Lamprey:
The lamprey, with its eerie, jawless mouth, resembles a
creature from another era. Indeed, this fish is a survivor from ancient times,
having existed for over 360 million years. Lampreys are distinctive for their
tooth-lined, funnel-like sucking mouth, which they use to latch onto other fish
to feed on their blood and body fluids. Lampreys are found in temperate regions
across the globe, living in coastal and fresh waters. They have a complex
lifecycle that includes a long larval stage, where they live buried in soft
riverbeds, filter-feeding on microorganisms. This stage can last for several
years before they metamorphose into the adult form known for its parasitic
habits. Remarkably, after this transformation and a brief period of feeding,
they reproduce once, then die shortly after spawning, fulfilling their role in
the ecosystem. Their persistence through millions of years and massive
planetary changes speaks to the lamprey's adaptability.
6. Cassowary:
The cassowary, often referred to as the world’s most
dangerous bird, is a direct descendant of dinosaurs, with its ancestry
providing a living snapshot of prehistoric times. Native to the tropical
forests of New Guinea and northern Australia, these large, flightless birds are
known for their striking appearance, which includes vibrant blue skin on their
necks and heads, and a helmet-like casque atop their skulls. Cassowaries are
solitary creatures, preferring to roam alone in their forest habitats. They are
mainly frugivorous, meaning their diet mainly consists of fruit, which they
play a crucial role in dispersing across the forest floor. Despite their
colorful appearance, cassowaries are extremely shy and solitary, but they can
become aggressive if threatened or cornered, especially during the breeding
season. They are capable of delivering powerful kicks with their strong legs
and sharp claws, which can be dangerous to other animals and humans alike.
5. Jellyfish:
Jellyfish are among the oldest living creatures on Earth,
with fossils dating back over 500 million years. These mysterious beings are
more than just their haunting, sticky forms and gentle, pulsing movements; they
are survivors from the depths of time, predating even the dinosaurs. Jellyfish
are found in oceans around the world, from surface waters to the deep sea. They
are made up almost entirely of water, which gives them their translucent
appearance. Their bodies are simple, lacking a brain, heart, and bones, but
they are highly effective predators. They capture prey with tentacles that
trail behind their bell-shaped bodies, which are equipped with nematocysts, or
stinging cells, that paralyze fish and small invertebrates. The reproductive
cycle of jellyfish is fascinating and complex, involving stages where they
exist both as solitary individuals and part of a colonial organism, depending
on their life stage.
4. Sturgeon:
Sturgeons are ancient fish that have been swimming in our
rivers and lakes since the time of the dinosaurs, dating back to the Triassic
period. These massive fish are known for their extended bodies, scaly texture,
and distinctive bony scutes that provide protection. Sturgeons are some of the
largest freshwater fish, with some species growing up to 12 feet long and
weighing over a thousand pounds. Found predominantly in the temperate waters of
Eurasia and North America, sturgeons have a slow growth rate and live long
lives, some reaching over a century old. They play a crucial role in their
aquatic ecosystems, feeding on a variety of small fish and invertebrates, which
helps to keep these populations in check. Sturgeons are perhaps best known for
their roe, or eggs, which are processed into caviar—a highly prized delicacy.
This demand for caviar has led to overfishing and severe declines in many
sturgeon populations, making conservation efforts critical.
3. Platypus:
The platypus, often considered one of the most unusual
animals in the world, expresses a unique blend of traits that bridge mammals,
birds, and reptiles. Native to eastern Australia, including Tasmania, this
curious creature has been a subject of fascination and study due to its
extensive characteristics, which paint a picture of evolutionary history
spanning over 200 million years. What makes the platypus particularly
remarkable is its method of reproduction. It is one of the few mammals that lay
eggs instead of giving birth to live young. About 10 to 12 days after laying,
the eggs hatch, and the mother nurses her young by secreting milk through
specialized glands in her skin, as platypuses lack nipples. The platypus is
also equipped with electroreceptors in its bill, allowing it to detect minute
electrical signals emitted by the muscles and nerves of its prey. This ability
is crucial for hunting underwater, where the platypus spends much of its time
searching for food such as insects, larvae, and small crustaceans.
2. Chinese Giant Salamander:
The Chinese giant salamander, as its name suggests, is an
imposing figure in the amphibian world. This salamander is the largest of its
kind, with some individuals reaching nearly six feet in length. Native to the
freshwater streams and lakes of China, this species is considered a living
relic, reflecting a lineage that dates back millions of years. The giant
salamander’s body is wrinkled and splotched, camouflaging it against the rocky
riverbeds it inhabits. It is fully aquatic, breathing primarily through its
skin due to the extensive network of tubes that cover its body. This adaptation
is crucial for its survival in the oxygen-rich, cold waters of its habitat.
Despite their size and resilience, Chinese giant salamanders face critical
threats from habitat destruction and the illegal wildlife trade, where they are
highly sought after for their meat and purported medicinal properties.
1. Goblin Shark:
The goblin shark is a rare and mysterious creature that
resides in the depths of the ocean, earning it the nickname "living
fossil" due to its primitive features that have remained unchanged for
millions of years. Characterized by its distinctively long and flat snout, the
goblin shark uses this unique appendage as a sensory organ to detect electric
fields produced by other sea creatures. This ability is crucial in the
pitch-black waters of the deep sea where it lives, often reaching depths of
over 3,000 feet. The shark's jaw is also highly specialized; it can snap
forward in a rapid motion to catch prey, a remarkable adaptation that allows it
to feed on a variety of deep-sea fish and squid. The goblin shark’s body is
flabby and its skin is a pale, ghostly pink due to its lack of pigmentation, a
common trait among many deep-sea animals. Its liver is large and contains
low-density oils and hydrocarbons, which help in resilience, allowing the shark
to float effortlessly through the deep waters without expending much energy.
And that’s it for today. Thanks for watching. Don't forget to
like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more captivating adventures from 4 ever
green!