Despite the last use of a nuclear bomb in the American raid on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the subsequent severe effects, the possibility of reusing this internationally banned weapon is still considered by many countries in light of increasing political conflicts.
Despite the immense amounts of radiation released by a nuclear explosion, 7 living creatures have enough luck to survive the effects of the bomb without needing to hide in fortified underground shelters!
Living Creatures Capable of Surviving Nuclear Bomb Radiation!
1-Cockroaches
As much as you might feel disgusted by these insects, even those hiding under the kitchen cabinet that you can kill with insecticides are capable of surviving a nuclear explosion!
Certainly, not all species, but enough will survive to establish a new colony! Most cockroaches can survive moderate amounts of radiation, and 20% of them can survive high levels of atomic radiation “up to 10,000 rad.”
In fact, cockroaches in good condition were found just 1,000 feet from where the Hiroshima atomic bomb fell.
Interestingly, these insects can also survive up to a month without food or water, and even up to two weeks without their heads!
2-Scorpions
Although there isn’t a definitive study on this, it is assumed that scorpions can survive nuclear attacks better than most other creatures.
Scorpions can withstand very high levels of ultraviolet radiation, and they even glow when exposed to it in the dark! They can also freeze completely and then come back to life again!
3-Fruit Flies
These small insects can survive up to 64,000 rad. Their size prevents them from properly absorbing radiation like larger creatures, and despite their 30-day life cycle, if there was a nuclear explosion, they would likely still be able to live until the end of their natural life cycle.
4-Braconid Wasps
This group of parasitic wasps is one of the toughest living creatures. They can withstand 300 times more radiation than humans!
Braconid wasps can endure 180,000 rad (the Hiroshima bomb was only 10,000 rad). Entomologists have also discovered another type of these wasps that can be trained to "smell" and identify explosive and harmful materials.
5-Tardigrades
Also known as water bears or moss piglets, these tiny microscopic creatures are among the most resilient living beings, surviving in the harshest conditions, such as extreme pH levels, very high or low temperatures, and even in low-oxygen environments. They even survived space conditions after a sample was sent on a space mission and returned safely!
6-Mummichog Fish
These amazing small fish with a natural appearance are the only fish sent into space. Mummichog fish can live in the dirtiest and most chemically polluted parts of the ocean and be perfectly fine.
They can also withstand high amounts of radiation from a nuclear bomb explosion through water and salt. They can even adjust the internal structure of their bodies and genes as needed to fit their environment.
7-Deinococcus Radiodurans Bacteria
This microscopic bacterium is the most radiation-resistant organism ever. How much radiation can it withstand? Potentially unlimited amounts.
Scientists were shocked by this discovery a few years ago when they found that these bacteria immediately repaired any DNA damage caused by radiation. Many studies are currently examining this organism to help treat radiation-induced diseases and other related human diseases by harnessing this DNA.
Another fun fact? This tiny bacterium is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most radiation-resistant living organism.