Jellyfish may outlive us all. These creatures have stood the test of time, existing before even dinosaurs. Their lifehack? They’re boneless, brainless, and heartless. Without any complex organs and over 90% of their body made up of water, these animals can swiftly adapt to changing environments.
From the poles to the tropics, jellyfish swim in every ocean. Unlike other marine species, they aren’t as threatened by acidity and rising temperatures. Sea waters are warming at an alarming rate, absorbing 93% of excess heat trapped in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases. In oceans where less oxygen is retained as a result, more animals are edging toward extinction. But jellyfish require little oxygen to survive, and thrive in these conditions.
Throughout the years their populations have flourished, resulting in jellyfish blooms. With predators such as sharks, sea turtles, and tuna often caught by fishermen, there isn’t enough competition to keep jellyfish numbers in check. Despite this imbalance, there are some animals that benefit. Small and juvenile fish take cover from danger in the bell of these invertebrates. Here, they are well fed as they consume the jellyfish’s leftovers.
While fish rely on them for food and shelter, jellyfish are intrinsically suited to brave the open ocean. These gelatinous creatures are one of the most resilient species, and may well survive millions more years.
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