Are There Any Organisms on Earth That Are Immortal?

A type of jellyfish has been found to be one of the few organisms on Earth that could be considered immortal. The Turritopsis dohrnii jellyfish has the ability to regenerate its cells back to its first stages of life. It begins life as a polyp, a small cylinder that attaches itself to the sea floor, before it matures into an adult jellyfish and detaches itself. Instead of dying as it reaches the end of its maturity, the Turritopsis dohrnii can regenerate its cells back to the polyp stage and starts its growth cycle all over again. Not all of these jellyfish are immortal, however, because the regeneration process typically occurs only as a result of dangerous situations, such as starvation or other physical damage.

More about organism life cycles:

• The American lobster is thought to be able to live for as long as 100 years, because it can repair its own DNA and even regrow limbs.
• Pando, a group of trees in Colorado is connected underground and is thought to have roots that are about 80,000 years old.
• The fruit fly has a natural lifecycle of about 35 days, but researchers have been able to increase its life span to 70 days by altering one of its genes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is biological immortality?

Biological immortality refers to a state where an organism does not exhibit age-related decline in survival or reproduction probabilities, effectively evading senescence. This means that, barring disease or predation, these organisms can potentially live indefinitely. However, it's important to note that this does not make them invulnerable to death from external causes.

Are there any truly immortal organisms on Earth?

While no organism is immortal in the sense of being invincible, some species exhibit biological immortality. The most famous example is the Turritopsis dohrnii, also known as the "immortal jellyfish," which can revert to its juvenile polyp stage after reaching maturity. This process can theoretically repeat indefinitely, allowing the jellyfish to avoid death from old age.

How does the 'immortal jellyfish' Turritopsis dohrnii defy aging?

The 'immortal jellyfish' Turritopsis dohrnii defies aging through a process called transdifferentiation, where its cells can transform into different types of cells. When faced with stress or physical harm, it reverts to its polyp stage, essentially starting its life cycle anew. This remarkable ability allows it to potentially bypass senescence and death from old age.

Are there any immortal organisms on land, or are they only found in water?

Most known examples of organisms with biological immortality are found in aquatic environments, like the immortal jellyfish and certain species of hydras. However, some terrestrial organisms also exhibit remarkable longevity and regenerative capabilities, such as the planarian flatworms, which can regenerate their entire bodies from a single cell, potentially allowing them to live indefinitely under ideal conditions.

Can studying immortal organisms help us understand human aging?

Studying organisms with biological immortality can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of aging and regeneration. Research into species like Turritopsis dohrnii and hydras may uncover cellular processes that could inform medical advancements in treating age-related diseases and enhancing human longevity, according to ongoing scientific investigations in the field of biogerontology.

Is it possible for humans to achieve biological immortality?

Currently, biological immortality in humans remains a concept of science fiction. Human aging is a complex process influenced by genetics, environment, and lifestyle. While research into organisms with regenerative abilities may offer clues to extending human lifespan and healthspan, the translation of these findings into human immortality is speculative and not supported by existing scientific evidence.