Which organism was revived after approximately 46,000 years in Siberian permafrost?

Which organism was revived after approximately 46,000 years in Siberian permafrost?

• A. A tardigrade
• B. Panagrolaimus kolymaensis, a nematode
• C. A moss plant
• D. A bacterium that forms endospores

Answer: (B)

Long-term survival with cryptobiosis lets certain multicellular organisms pause metabolism and endure extreme conditions for very long periods. In this case, a nematode named Panagrolaimus kolymaensis was revived after about 46,000 years in Siberian permafrost, showing that such organisms can remain viable when preserved in icy, stable conditions and then reanimate when thawed. This demonstrates the remarkable resilience of certain nematodes to cryogenic stress, beyond what most life can endure. Although tardigrades are also known for extreme resilience, the specific revival reported here is the nematode Panagrolaimus kolymaensis; the other options don’t match this particular discovery.

Long-term survival with cryptobiosis lets certain multicellular organisms pause metabolism and endure extreme conditions for very long periods. In this case, a nematode named Panagrolaimus kolymaensis was revived after about 46,000 years in Siberian permafrost, showing that such organisms can remain viable when preserved in icy, stable conditions and then reanimate when thawed. This demonstrates the remarkable resilience of certain nematodes to cryogenic stress, beyond what most life can endure. Although tardigrades are also known for extreme resilience, the specific revival reported here is the nematode Panagrolaimus kolymaensis; the other options don’t match this particular discovery.