True self-replicant: Turritopsis nutricula

Ness Rowlah

Norwegian Wood
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article5594539.ece

Turritopsis-nutricu_475165a.jpg


Turritopsis nutricula may be the world’s only “immortal” creature.

Jellyfish usually die after propagating but Turritopsis reverts to a sexually immature stage after reaching adulthood and is capable of rejuvenating itself.

The 4-5mm diameter creature, technically known as a hydrozoan, is the only known animal that is capable of reverting to its juvenile polyp state.

Theoretically, this cycle can repeat indefinitely, rendering it potentially immortal.
 
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