Buzz
Through countless epochs of disasters, cockroaches have survived thanks to their many natural traits.
When the Chicxulub asteroid struck Earth 66 million years ago, cockroaches were already there and they demonstrated remarkable survival abilities compared to many other species.
The Chicxulub impact caused a major earthquake and scientists believe it also triggered volcanic eruptions thousands of miles away from the impact site. Three-quarters of plants and animals on Earth died, including most dinosaur species, except for a few that are ancestors of present-day birds.
The asteroid catastrophe wiped out dinosaur species, but it couldn't exterminate cockroaches.
How can tiny cockroaches, measuring just a few centimeters, survive when many stronger, larger species went extinct? Simply put, cockroaches have the natural factors suited to help them survive through an asteroid disaster.
Anatomy
Observing cockroaches, it's easy to notice their sleek and flat bodies. These thin insects can conveniently squeeze into narrow spaces, allowing them to hide anywhere, aiding their survival after the Chicxulub impact.
When the asteroid collided, the surface temperature of the Earth skyrocketed. Many animal species had nowhere to flee, but cockroaches could take refuge in small soil crevices, providing excellent protection from the heat.
Sketch depicting the appearance of ancient cockroaches.
Cockroaches are omnivorous creatures
The asteroid collision caused a series of catastrophic effects. It ejected a large amount of dust into the atmosphere, darkening the sky. With the sun obscured, temperatures dropped, and the atmosphere became chilly worldwide.
With limited sunlight, surviving plant species struggle to grow, and many other organisms rely on these resilient plants that have faced food crises.
The scarcity of plants leads to the extinction of many herbivorous animal species, while carnivorous ones suffer from a lack of food sources. Larger species, requiring more food, are the first to go extinct.
Cockroaches can eat almost anything.
For cockroaches, their situation is much easier. Unlike some insect species that prefer specific plant types, cockroaches are omnivores. This means they'll eat almost any food from animals or plants, even feces. Having an indiscriminate appetite has helped cockroaches survive through many catastrophes.
Cockroach Eggs: Nature's Protective Cases
Another useful characteristic is that cockroach eggs resemble dry beans. Cockroach eggs, also called oothecae, meaning 'egg cases,' serve as protective containers.
Similar to phone cases, oothecae are quite rigid and protect what's inside from damages and other threats, such as floods and droughts.
Humans can learn a lot from cockroaches
Modern cockroaches are rare creatures that can inhabit almost anywhere on land, from the heat of tropical regions to some of the coldest areas on Earth. Scientists estimate that there are over 4000 cockroach species living on Earth.
Some of these species prefer cohabiting with humans and quickly become nuisance pests. Once cockroaches infest a building, it's challenging to completely eradicate all traces of them.
Cockroaches are notoriously difficult to manage as they can resist many types of insecticides. However, cockroaches are not just pests. Scientists also study cockroaches to understand their movement and body design to inspire the creation of better robots. Their high survivability is also worth learning from in some suitable aspects.
