8 animals that are ‘living fossils’ with prehistoric roots (Hint: one of them was your favourite cartoon growing up)

1. Coelacanth

Thought to have gone extinct 66 million years ago, the coelacanth was rediscovered in 1938 off the coast of South Africa. With lobed fins that resemble primitive limbs, scientists believe this fish represents a key evolutionary step toward the first land-dwelling vertebrates.

2. Nautilus

With a shell-shaped in a perfect logarithmic spiral, the nautilus has been swimming in the world’s oceans for nearly 500 million years. Unlike its cephalopod relatives (squid and octopus), it has remained largely unchanged due to its deep-sea habitat, which has shielded it from evolutionary pressures​

3. Tuatara

Native to New Zealand, the tuatara resembles a lizard but belongs to a distinct reptilian lineage that split from all other reptiles over 250 million years ago. One of its most fascinating features is a “third eye” on the top of its head, thought to help regulate its biological rhythms​

With a lineage tracing back 125 million years, the goblin shark lurks in the deep sea, where it has remained largely unchanged (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

4. Komodo Dragon

As the world’s largest living lizard, the Komodo dragon has ancestors dating back over 3 million years. Found only on a few Indonesian islands, this apex predator has evolved powerful limbs, sharp claws, and a venomous bite to dominate its ecosystem​

5. Goblin Shark

With a lineage tracing back 125 million years, the goblin shark lurks in the deep sea, which has remained largely unchanged. Its most striking feature is its protruding, extendable jaws that snap forward to catch prey​

6. Aldabra Giant Tortoise

One of the longest-living animals on Earth, the Aldabra giant tortoise has roots dating back over 150 million years. Some individuals are estimated to be more than 200 years old, and their massive domed shells have helped them survive on isolated islands​

7. Platypus

With a lineage dating back over 200 million years, the platypus is one of the strangest mammals on Earth. It lays eggs, produces venom, and uses electroreception to hunt underwater—traits linking it to reptiles and early mammalian ancestors.

For the younger generations, the platypus has been immortalized on Phineas and Ferb by Platypus Perry.

8. Crocodiles

Crocodiles have remained virtually unchanged for over 200 million years. Their powerful bodies, strong jaws, and stealthy hunting strategies have allowed them to thrive as apex predators in aquatic environments.​

These remarkable creatures serve as living windows into Earth’s prehistoric past. Despite environmental challenges, their survival is a testament to evolutionary resilience, proving that sometimes, nature gets it right the first time.