Even in extreme conditions. Living organisms that are able to survive in extreme conditions
Some organisms have a special advantage that allows them to withstand the most extreme conditions where others simply cannot cope. Such abilities include resistance to enormous pressure, extreme temperatures, and others. These ten creatures from our list will give odds to anyone who dares to claim the title of the most resilient organism.
10. Himalayan jumping spider
The Asian wild goose is famous for flying at altitudes of over 6.5 kilometers, while the highest human settlement is at 5,100 meters in the Peruvian Andes. However, the high-altitude record does not belong to geese, but to the Himalayan jumping spider (Euophrys omnisuperstes). Living at an altitude of over 6,700 meters, this spider feeds mainly on small insects carried there by gusts of wind. A key feature of this insect is its ability to survive in conditions of almost complete absence of oxygen.
9. Giant Kangaroo Jumper
Usually, when we think about the animals that can survive the longest without water, the camel immediately comes to mind. But camels can survive without water in the desert for only 15 days. Meanwhile, you will be surprised to learn that there is an animal in the world that can live its entire life without drinking a drop of water. The giant kangaroo hopper is a close relative of beavers. Their average lifespan is usually between 3 and 5 years. They usually obtain moisture from food, eating various seeds. In addition, these rodents do not sweat, thereby avoiding additional water loss. These animals usually live in Death Valley, and are currently endangered.
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Since heat in water is more efficiently transferred to organisms, a water temperature of 50 degrees Celsius will be much more dangerous than the same air temperature. For this reason, predominantly bacteria flourish in underwater hot springs, which cannot be said about multicellular life forms. However, there is a special type of worm called paralvinella sulfincola that happily makes its home in areas where the water reaches temperatures of 45-55 degrees. Scientists conducted an experiment where one of the walls of the aquarium was heated, as a result it turned out that the worms preferred to stay in this particular place, ignoring cooler places. It is believed that this feature was developed by the worms so that they could feast on the bacteria found in abundance in hot springs. Since they had no natural enemies before, the bacteria were relatively easy prey.
7. Greenland shark
The Greenland shark is one of the largest and least studied sharks on the planet. Despite the fact that they swim quite slowly (any amateur swimmer can overtake them), they are extremely rarely seen. This is due to the fact that this type of shark usually lives at a depth of 1200 meters. In addition, this shark is one of the most resistant to cold. She usually prefers to stay in water whose temperature ranges between 1 and 12 degrees Celsius. Because these sharks live in cold waters, they have to move extremely slowly to minimize their energy expenditure. They are indiscriminate in food and eat everything that comes their way. There are rumors that their lifespan is about 200 years, but no one has yet been able to confirm or deny it.
6. Devil's Worm
For many decades, scientists believed that only single-celled organisms could survive at great depths. In their opinion, high pressure, lack of oxygen and extreme temperatures stood in the way of multicellular creatures. But then microscopic worms were discovered at a depth of several kilometers. Named halicephalobus mephisto, after a demon from German folklore, it was discovered in water samples 2.2 kilometers below the surface from a cave in South Africa. They managed to survive extreme environmental conditions, suggesting that life may be possible on Mars and other planets in our galaxy.
5. Frogs
Some species of frogs are widely known for their ability to literally freeze throughout the winter and come back to life when spring arrives. Five species of such frogs have been found in North America, the most common of which is the common tree frog. Since tree frogs are not very strong burrowers, they simply hide under fallen leaves. They have a substance like antifreeze in their veins, and although their hearts eventually stop, it is temporary. The basis of their survival technique is the huge concentration of glucose entering the blood from the frog's liver. What's even more amazing is the fact that frogs are able to demonstrate their ability to freeze not only in the wild, but also in the laboratory, allowing scientists to reveal their secrets.
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4. Deep Sea Microbes
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We all know that the deepest point in the world is the Mariana Trench. Its depth reaches almost 11 kilometers, and the pressure there exceeds atmospheric pressure 1100 times. A few years ago, scientists managed to discover giant amoebas there, which they managed to photograph using a high-resolution camera and protected by a glass sphere from the enormous pressure that reigns at the bottom. Moreover, a recent expedition sent by James Cameron himself showed that other life forms may exist in the depths of the Mariana Trench. Samples of bottom sediments were obtained, which proved that the depression was literally teeming with microbes. This fact amazed scientists, because the extreme conditions prevailing there, as well as the enormous pressure, are far from a paradise.
3. Bdelloidea
Rotifers of the species Bdelloidea are incredibly tiny female invertebrates, usually found in fresh water. Since their discovery, no males of the species have been found, and rotifers themselves reproduce asexually, which in turn destroys their own DNA. They restore their native DNA by eating other types of microorganisms. Thanks to this ability, rotifers can withstand extreme dehydration, in fact, they are able to withstand levels of radiation that would kill most living organisms on our planet. Scientists believe that their ability to repair their DNA came about as a result of their need to survive in extremely arid environments.
2. Cockroach
There is a myth that cockroaches will be the only living organisms to survive a nuclear war. In fact, these insects can live without water and food for several weeks, and what's more, they can live for weeks without a head. Cockroaches have been around for 300 million years, outliving even the dinosaurs. The Discovery Channel conducted a series of experiments that were supposed to show whether cockroaches would survive or not under powerful nuclear radiation. As a result, it turned out that almost half of all insects were able to survive radiation of 1000 rads (such radiation can kill an adult healthy person in just 10 minutes of exposure); moreover, 10% of cockroaches survived exposure to radiation of 10,000 rads, which is equal to radiation from a nuclear explosion in Hiroshima. Unfortunately, none of these small insects survived the 100,000 rad radiation dose.
1. Tardigrades
Tiny aquatic organisms called tardigrades have proven to be the hardiest organisms on our planet. These seemingly cute animals are able to survive almost any extreme conditions, be it heat or cold, enormous pressure or high radiation. They are able to survive for some time even in space. In extreme conditions and in a state of extreme dehydration, these creatures are able to remain alive for several decades. They come to life as soon as you place them in a pond.
Professions.
Strict requirements, difficult conditions, constant risks to health and life are the usual arguments of those
who does not take female colleagues seriously. However, women
They never tire of proving by their own example that there are no difficulties that are beyond their strength, and are increasingly conquering even traditionally male professions. Together with Libresse, we spoke with three girls who work in extreme conditions and do not give in to them.
Evgenia
Korneva
Navigator on a cargo ship
As soon as you step on the ship, you must do your job as well as they did before you. It's dangerous on board, so you always need to be alert. We are the captain's eyes and ears. There is a clear daily routine: you stay on watch for four hours, and for the next eight you rest. It’s important to get enough sleep: no matter the conditions or your condition, you should always show up for your shift on time. In winter it’s hard: frost, snow, twilight. It’s much easier to bear the heat: there are air conditioners in the rooms, and there are sun loungers on the deck - you can even sunbathe. Of course, there are also storms - it shakes so much that everything on the ship is to pieces. I get a lot of seasickness, but I have to keep my watch anyway. Through force, but you stand.
Whatever your condition, you must always report for your shift on time.
I usually think about food only when there is no motion. I love to eat delicious food, and it’s hard for me every time to switch from a home diet to a ship’s diet. At home they cook with all their heart for only three or four people, but here there are more than twenty of us - the cook clearly doesn’t care about everyone’s personal preferences. Even so: the cook relies solely on his preferences. Ours, for example, leans on potatoes, and the cook of our colleagues from another ship is a fan of spicy Indian cuisine. Food is a source of strength and energy, so you have to eat what you give.
There is always water on board: huge tanks are stocked with it. Due to processing it becomes hard. At first, acne appears and the skin dries out, so I use oils. The air from the air conditioners is also dry and hard on the eyes. Four months is a decent amount of time, and it’s better to have everything with you right away. In a men's group, there is usually no one to ask for a hairdryer, cotton pads, and especially for pads. You take the bare minimum: you still won’t have time for multi-stage care.
On a ship you are always busy: it is never idle and requires the same from you. You never know how the elements will behave: at any moment a situation may arise that will require an immediate reaction from you.
Any night of mooring. In the midst of sleep, a bell rings in the cabin - they are calling for watch. You need to quickly wake up, get yourself in order and go to command.
A small sofa while rocking.
During the night watch. I had to very quickly find someone who could replace me for a few minutes, but at night this is almost impossible.
In 2016, about 45% of women volunteered under the leadership of the UN. In recent years, their number has increased, and even in the most dangerous regions there are sometimes significantly more women volunteers than men. Larisa Melnikova has been a member for three years now. Health & Help- an organization that builds free clinics and provides medical care to residents of poor countries in Latin America.
In countries like Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua and the villages of Brazil, you need to play by the rules of the jungle. There is no electricity, no mobile communications, and no hot water. If the cold one turns out to be clean, that’s good - perhaps it will be possible to wash off the dirt. Although there are showers, after which it only gets worse. You learn to brush your teeth and wash your face only with purchased water. You wipe with wet wipes, and wash your hair with soap in the ocean every few days.
There is hardly such a thing as disinfection here. It's better not to take risks with a manicure. There are hardly dishwashers in catering establishments: at best, dishes are rinsed in a basin of dirty water. A person gets used to everything. We wash fruits with drinking water or peel them; food is only thermally processed. One thing: everything is prepared in liters of cheap oil.
It is impossible to buy feminine hygiene products - there are simply none: no tampons, no pads
We rarely stay in one place; we spend a lot of time moving between countries. If we travel by bus, we are in heaven, but you can’t travel everywhere by bus. The most convenient transport then turns out to be a pig cart. We often spend the night in dubious places: on the edge of the world you don’t have a choice. Sometimes you go to bed with your clothes on and a backpack instead of a pillow.
In such patriarchal countries, no one cares about women's comforts. Some trips last more than four hours, there are no toilets at any stop, and this is normal: a man just needs to go outside. It is also impossible to buy feminine hygiene products - there are simply none: no tampons, no pads. Even finding regular cotton panties is a problem. In provincial Guatemala, women simply don't wear them. Paradoxically, the shoulders, knees and décolleté are always covered.
But all this is nonsense. We change the lives of thousands of people: they learn about hygiene and contraception, get sick less, and see that a woman can work and not give birth every year. Recently a girl approached me on the street: “I admire you! How can you engage in such a game?
Most stressful night at work?
Once, when our bus got stuck in a kilometer-long traffic jam, we had to spend the night in a brothel.
Worst place to sleep?
On the floor of the airport in El Salvador. You press the suitcase so that it cannot be opened; You put the backpack under your feet and push them through the straps so that it doesn’t get pulled out.
The most awkward situation when your period takes you by surprise?
I keep a calendar and try to be ready a couple of days in advance.
Julia
Skachkova
Yachtswoman, coach
in sailing
Last year, the organizers of the prestigious Volvo Ocean Race proposed new rules for participants: there must be at least one woman on the team. Otherwise, you will have to perform with a limited number of players, which means there is less chance of winning. There are still more men's teams in sailing than mixed teams, and even more so purely women's teams. Yulia Skachkova has been sailing since she was nine years old. She participates in regattas, organizes sea trips, and has been teaching sailing to children for the last four years.
There is a saying: “If you go to sea for a day, stock up for a week.” Anything can happen, but over time you get used to everything. Most people associate the word “yacht” with comfort - you immediately imagine such a mini-apartment, equipped with everything you need: a kitchen, a bedroom. It’s good if the boat has at least a latrine (pumping toilet - editor’s note): this is when you need to pump it with a special lever until everything goes into the sea. On sports yachts, which strip away everything superfluous to reduce weight, you won’t find a shower or toilet. Instead of a toilet, there can be a bucket that everyone cleans up after themselves. Gradually, the boundaries are erased: with experience you stop being embarrassed.
Tearing books
These books, made from a special material similar to paper, were designed for children. They cannot be dented, torn or punctured. Moreover, they do not get wet and do not contain dangerous or harmful substances.
Anti-deflate soccer ball "One World Futbol"
Made from unique materials, this ball resists wear and tear and retains its shape even after being punctured.
Moisture-resistant business cards
Waterproof and wear-resistant business cards were developed in Japan. They do not get wet after being immersed in a glass of water.
Polaris tires that "never go flat"
The tires, made of a mesh of plastic cells over which there is a wide tread, are so durable that even when shot by a 50-caliber bullet, they can travel a distance of 8,000 kilometers.
Bulletproof business suit
Now everyone can feel like James Bond. The Garrison Bespoke "armored business suit" is able to protect its owner from bullets and piercing weapons, thanks to the structure of the fabric, which includes carbon nanotubes. This fabric was developed for sewing military uniforms for the American military in Iraq.
Ultra-protected smartphone
Protected with the latest technology, the Kyocera Torque smartphone is not afraid of extreme temperatures, water, falls and other external factors.
Bombproof watch
Triggerfish Bronze A2" withstood water pressure at a depth of three kilometers and escaped with minor scratches while being in the epicenter of an explosion of 5 kg C4 explosives.
Durable pocket flashlight
This energy-saving LED flashlight from Rayovac can withstand a third-floor drop.
"Invincible" bridge
The railroad bridge in Durham, North Carolina has been standing for about a hundred years. During this time, more than one truck that challenged its durability has failed.
Hurricane resistant house
This dome house, built in Pensacola, Florida, can withstand wind speeds of 450 kilometers per hour. It has already survived four major hurricanes, including Hurricane Ivan, Dennis and Katrina, thanks to its solid reinforced concrete construction.
Super durable ballpoint pen
The Cybernetic Research Laboratory in Tucson, Arizona has created the most durable pen on the planet that can write even underwater.
Wear ring
Of course, if desired, the tungsten ring can be damaged. However, tungsten is only slightly inferior in strength to diamond and is four times stronger than titanium.
Safe racing helmet
Capable of withstanding temperatures of 800 degrees Celsius, the Arai Formula 1 racing helmet is the toughest headgear in the world.
Reliable hard drive
ioSafe has developed a hard drive that can be exposed to heat, fire and water without worrying about the safety of important data.
"Magic" shockproof glass
The Magic Glass did not even crack after a nail was driven into it.
Ultra-rugged laptop
A laptop from Panasonic manufacturers can be dropped, set on fire, drowned, buried in sand, and even walked on without fear of any damage.
Indestructible Pickup
The Toyota Hilux pickup truck has been dubbed the "indestructible truck" for its unrivaled ability to handle even the most extreme conditions, including crossing the Antarctic over a distance of about 9,500 kilometers, without suffering any wear and tear.
Steel kimono
Japanese designer Miya Ando has designed an unusual furisode kimono - a traditional Japanese outfit with long sleeves worn by unmarried girls. It is made of stainless steel plates held together with sterling silver rings. The world's first bulletproof kimono costs $25,000,000.
Flexible sunglasses "Hercules"
You can sit on them, bend them, throw them, and they won’t care.
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