It is widely known that lizards have the unique trait of regrowing their tails. However, other species in the animal kingdom also possess remarkable regenerative abilities, allowing them to regrow various body parts and even fully recover from a small piece.
These unique species have captivated the minds of scientists and researchers, and we’re just here to witness their extraordinary ability to regenerate.
1. Zebrafish
Zebrafish is one of the few creatures that can regenerate complex tissues. When their tail gets damaged, they can grow a new one in just a couple of weeks. Zebrafish are now being used to understand how tissue regeneration works.
2. Deer
Did you know that deer antlers are actually the only body part that can fully renew itself each year? Scientists have discovered that this process is made possible by special stem cells from a nerve tissue called the neural crest. However, this regeneration only happens in male reindeer or caribou because they use their antlers for survival and competition during mating season.
3. Axolotl
Axolotl is a type of tailed amphibian that possesses incredible regenerative abilities. In fact, if an Axolotl gets injured or loses a limb, it can regenerate not only the lost limb but also internal organs and even parts of the brain. This unique ability makes them a fascinating subject of study for scientists.
4. Earthworms
It is interesting to note that certain species of worms can regenerate the entire body from just the tip. This unique and remarkable characteristic of these animals is worth further investigation and study.
5. Rats
Very few people realize that small rats can regenerate damaged tails and limbs. This phenomenon has been observed in lab conditions using weak electric current. As you can tell, this forced regeneration is not a natural occurrence in rats and requires special conditions.
6. Starfish
Did you know that a single fragment of a starfish has the unique ability to regrow into a new, full-sized specimen? This remarkable characteristic is known as regeneration and is a fascinating phenomenon that scientists have been trying to figure out for centuries.
7. Sponges
Scientists discovered that if they divide a sponge’s body into individual cells and mix them in water, the cells will come together and form a new organism. They repeated this experiment with three different species of sponges and found that the cells of each species joined together to form three separate organisms. It’s pretty amazing how these simple creatures can create a new life form all on their own!
8. Hydra
These aquatic invertebrates have abilities similar to sponges: they can fully regenerate from individual cells. Such superpowers are of great interest to scientists. Some even hope that doctors, having fully understood the regenerative processes, will be able to apply this technology to the human body.
9. Crayfish
Fun fact: crayfish can actually grow new claws, just like how we shed our skin. It’s pretty cool because they can regenerate their entire limbs in just one molt. And if they’re young, well-fed, and kept warm, it’s even easier for them to regrow their pincers faster.
10. Human Fingertips
Humans have always wanted to be immortal, and one way to do it is to figure out how to regenerate muscle, bone, and other tissue. But unlike starfish or earthworms, our cells are too complex. However, for whatever reason, our injured fingertips can be restored with time, assuming the nail or cuticle is intact.
