Antarctic sponge could be earth's oldest animal at 15,000 years

In the icy waters of Antarctica, extraordinary sponges might 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 by acting as natural filters, removing fine organic particles and bacteria from the water. Their porous structure shelters many aquatic creatures, such as crustaceans and small fish.

The sponge's skeleton adapts to specific environments, allowing it to settle on both hard, rocky surfaces and soft substrates like 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.

The volcanic sponge, one of the largest representatives of its kind, can reach a height of 6 feet and 5 inches. It lives at depths ranging from 49 to 472 feet, preferring cool and stable conditions. Scientists have observed these sponges for 22 years, noting that their growth is only a few millimeters 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, their slow metabolism, and the lack of natural predators that threaten them.