Ancient Antarctic sponges: Earth's 15,000-year-old denizens
The Antarctic sponge may be the oldest animal on Earth, living up to 15,000 years.
In the icy waters of Antarctica, extraordinary sponges could be the oldest organisms on our planet. Their longevity results from slow growth rates and stable environmental conditions. Scientists have been studying these creatures for years, and their findings continue to amaze.
Sponges play a key role in the marine ecosystem as natural filters, removing fine organic particles and bacteria from the water. Their porous structure provides shelter for many marine creatures, such as crustaceans and small fish.
The sponge's skeleton adapts to its specific environment, allowing it to settle on both hard, rocky surfaces and soft substrates such as sand or silt. Some sponges can even attach to drifting objects! However, they are rarely found freely floating in the water — notes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Can reach up to 2 metres
The volcanic sponge, one of the largest representatives of its kind, can reach a height of 2 metres. It lives at depths ranging from 15 to 144 metres, preferring cool and stable conditions. Scientists have observed these sponges for 22 years, noting that their growth is only a few millimetres per year.
Initial studies suggested that some specimens might be as old as 40,000 years. However, an analysis of geological sea level changes corrected these calculations. According to Dr Susanne Gatti, the oldest organisms are about 15,000 years old.
These sponges are among the oldest organisms in the world, and their longevity is due to several factors: the constant, low temperature of the waters, slow metabolism, and lack of natural predators that would threaten them.
