Ever wonder what organism will outlive us when the end is nigh? There is a longstanding myth that cockroaches will become the supreme species once we meet our inevitable demise (which might be sooner rather than later depending on the outcome of the US election).
Cockroaches: the low down.
Cockroaches are crafty little things whose slow cell cycles lend them credit. This allows them to evade radiation fallout as minimal cells are damaged, unlike rapidly developing human cells.
Hiroshima and the longstanding myth.
When the US dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, it emitted radioactive gamma rays at approximately 10 000 rads. A rumour spread that cockroaches were the only living organisms to survive the explosion.
Mythbusters tackle the big issues.
Mythbusters followed up on this legend by exposing separate groups of cockroaches to 1000 and 10 000 rads of radioactive metal cobalt 60. They monitored the cockroaches for 30 days and 50% of those exposed to 1000 rads survived, whereas 10% of those exposed to 10 000 rads were still kicking. Almost 100% of humans tested will expire within 14 days after being exposed to 1000 rads. Creepy? Yes. Cool? A little.
However, the myth failed to mention that it only takes 1000 rads to interfere with a cockroach’s reproductive capabilities. So if we do all meet our end by nuclear bombs (which, by the way, are much more intense these days than back in 1945 when the legend originated), then eventually the cockroaches will die out too.
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But cockroaches may not be our only contenders…
There are other organisms that can survive much higher levels of radiation. Milnesium tardigradum, commonly known as water bears, can withstand up to a whopping 500 000 rads! That’s 1250 Hiroshima blasts! These guys are so indestructible they can even survive the vacuum of space! Don’t be fooled by their exterior, which, let’s face it, looks like a dehydrated potato; these guys are the human species ultimate rival.
Image Credit: 6 organisms that can survive the fallout from a nuclear explosion
The consensus.
So while cockroaches can survive a nuclear explosion, it depends on the radiation level of that explosion. It is less than likely that they would survive today, considering the advancement of nuclear technology. In a few centuries, the earth might be run by dehydrated potatoes anyway.
All things considered, it’s probably best not to try and exterminate cockroaches in your home with a nuclear blast. You would be much safer sticking with tried and tested pest control. Need equipment? Call Austates.