The longest-living organisms of all time

Over hundreds of years, various species of living organisms have managed to survive for record-breaking periods—lifespans that might be unimaginable to the human mind—thanks to their unique traits and ability to adapt to harsh conditions.

These creatures have withstood countless natural disasters, climate changes, and human interventions. Their astonishing longevity provides a glimpse into the past and helps us better understand our present environment.

Here are some of the oldest living organisms that have survived for centuries and continue to exist today!

The longest-living organisms on Earth!

1. The immortal jellyfish

The Turritopsis dohrnii, or the immortal jellyfish, is a small jellyfish believed to be the only species on Earth with the ability to revert to its juvenile stage when stressed or injured.

This process allows this organism to live forever. Yes, you read that correctly! There may be jellyfish swimming in the ocean today that have existed since the time of the dinosaurs! However, their unique ability to return to a younger stage (known as transdifferentiation) is still under study and remains a mystery to biologists.

These jellyfish inhabit tropical oceans and temperate seas worldwide. Despite their small size, immortal jellyfish may be among the longest-living organisms on Earth.

2. The Volcano Sponge

The volcano sponge is an ancient type of deep-sea sponge found in some of the most remote and extreme regions of the ocean.

These pear-shaped sponges are over 15,000 years old! They inhabit hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor, which are continuously heated by underwater volcanic activity.

The volcano sponge is also remarkably large, reaching up to 5 feet in diameter. Additionally, it survives in deep-sea environments between 50 and 470 feet below the water’s surface. Living in complete darkness for thousands of years, these ancient creatures are truly a marvel of nature!

3. The Ancient Bristlecone Pine

This astonishing tree is believed to be around 5,000 years old, native to the White Mountains of California. It has survived harsh environmental conditions for millennia, thanks in part to its dense, decay-resistant, and drought-tolerant wood.

This evergreen tree thrives at high elevations in mountainous regions of California, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. Its twisted branches are adorned with a unique mix of short needles and long filaments.

The oldest known bristlecone pine, named Methuselah, is over 4,800 years old. Standing 135 feet tall, it holds the title of the oldest known living tree in the world. Its exact location is a closely guarded secret to protect it from damage and vandalism.

4. The Alerce Tree

An ancient species of coniferous tree, the Alerce tree is native to the temperate rainforests of Patagonia, Chile, and Argentina. Some specimens are believed to be over 3,600 years old, making them one of the oldest living organisms on Earth.

Alerce trees can grow up to 200 feet tall, with thick trunks often exceeding 10 feet in diameter. Additionally, this tree is considered a living fossil, as its origins can be traced back more than 150 million years.

These trees resemble giant redwoods but have distinct features, such as bark that peels off in thick sheets and long cones.

5. The Cushion Plant

The ancient Yareta is a cushion-shaped plant that grows in the Andes Mountains of South America. These dense, glossy, mound-like plants are estimated to be around 3,000 years old! Moreover, Yareta is considered a symbol of resilience among local communities, who rely on it for firewood, medicinal uses, and wool processing.

Yareta's evergreen, slow-growing leaves spread across high-altitude mountain regions in Peru and Bolivia. Its waxy leaves help protect it from extreme temperatures and harsh winds in its environment.

Additionally, the deep root system of the cushion-shaped Yareta allows it to survive prolonged drought periods.

6. The Giant Sequoia Tree

Giant sequoia trees, also known as redwoods, are estimated to be around 3,200 years old, making them one of the oldest living species on Earth.

Native to California, the giant sequoia can reach heights of up to 300 feet, making it one of the tallest tree species in the world.

Additionally, giant sequoias are incredibly fire-resistant, unless the flames reach their crowns and ignite the treetops.

Unfortunately, giant sequoias are an endangered species due to habitat destruction. Only about 80,000 living trees remain today. Therefore, we must take action to protect this species and other ancient organisms worldwide.

7. The Vouves Olive Tree

The Vouves Olive Tree is estimated to be between 2,000 and 4,000 years old. It stands at about 27 feet tall, with an impressive 15-foot-wide twisted trunk. Incredibly, this ancient olive tree still produces olives to this day!

Located on the Greek island of Crete, the Vouves Olive Tree is one of the oldest living olive trees in the world.

This beloved tree is a cherished symbol for Greeks and a popular tourist attraction for visitors from all over the world. Additionally, it has provided food, medicine, and wood since ancient times.

8. The African Baobab Tree

As one of the oldest living flowering plants, the African baobab tree has an average lifespan of 1,500 to 2,000 years. Native to Africa, this giant tree has a massive trunk that can grow up to 30 feet in diameter.

Additionally, this remarkable tree features branches that resemble an intricate root system and wide, swollen trunks that store water to survive dry seasons.

The African baobab is incredibly resilient, capable of enduring harsh weather conditions and long periods without water. However, baobab trees are threatened by deforestation and climate change. Conservation efforts are crucial to protecting this ancient species and ensuring its survival.

9. The Thousand-Year-Old Flower

The Thousand-Year-Old Rose grows at a Catholic cathedral in Germany and is estimated to be around 1,200 years old. Also known as the Hildesheim Rose, this ancient rosebush is believed to have been planted when the church was built in the early 9th century.

Each blooming season, the rose climbs about 20 feet up the apse of Hildesheim Cathedral, producing hundreds of delicate pale pink roses.

10. The Black Clam

This edible clam species is believed to have a lifespan of 400–500 years. However, the oldest recorded living marine animal, a clam named Ming, lived for an astonishing 507 years!

Found in the North Atlantic Ocean, this species fascinates scientists with its extreme longevity. Additionally, its thick shell provides protection from predators. At the same time, its unique ability to store energy allows it to survive long periods of extreme cold and darkness.