Is there anything more curious and interesting than ultra-old living things (or organisms) on Earth?
Well, luckily, the world is full of amazing living things (or organisms), some of which have been around for thousands of years.
And so, in this article, we will explore the world’s top 10 oldest living things.
First, we’ll start with a summary table and then we’ll continue into our list sharing more details about these super-old living organisms.
Top 10 Oldest Living Things – Summary Table
| Organism | Age Estimate | Location/Description |
| Methuselah Tree | Approximately 4,850 years old | White Mountains of California. A Great Basin bristlecone pine, named after the biblical figure Methuselah. Discovered in 1957 by scientist Edmund Schulman. Known for its resilience in extreme weather conditions and slow growth rate. Still producing new cones. |
| Sunland Baobab | 1,060 – 6,000 years old. | The Sunland Baobab in South Africa is an enormous tree that’s over 6,000 years old by some estimations. It has a massive hollow trunk that’s been turned into a bar called the “Big Baobab Bar.” |
| Siberian Actinobacteria | Over 500,000 years old | Permafrost of Siberia. A type of bacteria known for producing bioactive compounds like antibiotics. Some specimens have been successfully revived from the permafrost. |
| Antarctic Moss | Over 5,000 years old | Antarctica. Survives extreme conditions by adapting to the continent’s harsh environment. Can enter a state of suspended animation when dehydrated and revive upon rehydration. |
| Old Tjikko Tree | 9550 years old. | Old Tjikko is a Norway spruce (Picea abies) located in Sweden. Old Tjikko’s longevity is attributed to its ability to clone itself through layering, where new roots grow from branches that come into contact with the ground. |
| Alerce Tree | Over 3,500 years old | Andes mountains of South America. Can reach heights of up to 200 feet and has a trunk diameter of up to 13 feet. Known for its reddish-brown bark and durable wood. Some specimens have been dated to over 3,600 years old. |
| Cypress of Abarkuh | Between 4,000 and 5,000 years old | The Cypress of Abarkuh, located in Iran, is believed to be over 4,000 years old, making it one of the oldest living trees on Earth |
| King’s Lomatia | Over 3,000 years old | Andes of Chile. Named after Sir James King. Slow-growing tree with dense wood. Considered endangered due to slow growth and limited distribution. |
| Pando (Quaking Aspen Grove) | Around 80,000 years old | Utah, USA. Massive grove of genetically identical quaking aspen trees connected by a single root system. One of the oldest and largest living organisms on Earth. Threatened by human development, climate change, and overgrazing. |
| Seagrass Posidonia | Over 100,000 years old | Mediterranean Sea. Not a seaweed but a flowering plant. Vital for marine ecosystem stability and productivity. Can clone itself to propagate. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its importance. |
Methuselah Tree
The Methuselah Tree, also known as the Great Basin bristlecone pine, is the oldest living tree in the world (excluding clonal trees).
It is located in the White Mountains of California and is estimated to be around 4,850 years old.
This tree was named after Methuselah, a biblical figure who (as per story) lived to be 969 years old.
The Methuselah Tree is a knotted and twisted tree that has survived extreme weather conditions, including high winds, freezing temperatures, and droughts.
Scientists are studying the tree to learn more about its genetics and how it has managed to survive for so long.
What an amazing tree, huh?
Interesting fact: The Methuselah Tree was sampled in 1957 by a scientist named Edmund Schulman, who was studying the bristlecone pines in the area. He named the tree after Methuselah because of its incredible age.
Sunland Baobab
The Sunland Baobab, located in South Africa, is a massive tree that stands out because its trunk is hollow.
It’s so big that people have turned the inside of the trunk into a cozy bar and wine cellar.
Imagine sipping on a drink inside a tree!
What’s even more incredible is that this tree has been around for more than 1000 years.
Some even estimate that it is 6000 years old however there are many debates about which estimation is true.
One thing is certain – it is one of the oldest living things on Earth.
Yet, while some would think it is dead (because people decided to turn it into a bar), it is still very alive.
The living tissue of the tree exists in the outer layers of its trunk, branches, and leaves.
And despite its hollow interior, the tree continues to grow, produce leaves, and undergo normal biological processes, such as photosynthesis.
Siberian Actinobacteria
Siberian Actinobacteria is a type of bacteria that is found in the permafrost of Siberia.
It is considered to be one of the oldest living organisms in the world, with some specimens estimated to be over 500,000 years old.
Actinobacteria are a type of bacteria that are commonly found in soil, water, and other environments.
They are known for their ability to produce a wide range of bioactive compounds, including antibiotics, antifungals, and anticancer agents.
The discovery of Siberian Actinobacteria has led to a great deal of excitement in the scientific community, as it provides a unique opportunity to study the evolution of life on Earth.
Researchers are particularly interested in studying the genetic makeup of these ancient bacteria, as it may provide some clues to the origins of life on our planet.
Antarctic Moss
Antarctic moss is a type of moss (non-vascular flowerless plant) that grows in the harsh environment of Antarctica. It is one of the oldest living things in the world, with some examples estimated to be over 5,000 years old.
This moss is able to survive in Antarctica because it has adapted to the extreme conditions of the continent.
It can grow and reproduce during the brief summer months when the temperature rises above freezing, and then goes dormant during the long, cold winters.
Interestingly, Antarctic moss is also able to survive extreme dehydration.
When the moss dries out, it enters a state of suspended animation and can remain in this state for years until it is rehydrated.
Interesting fact: Team of scientists discovered a 1,500-year-old Antarctic moss specimen that had been buried under the ice. When they thawed it out, it began to grow again, proving that it was still alive after all those years.
Old Tjikko Tree
Old Tjikko Tree is a 9,550-year-old Norway Spruce tree located in Fulufjället Mountain of Dalarna province in Sweden.
It is considered as the world’s oldest living individual clonal tree and was discovered in 2004 by a professor of Physical Geography, Leif Kullman.
The tree is named after Kullman’s dog, Tjikko.
The tree’s age was determined by carbon dating of its roots.
The trunk of the tree is only a few hundred years old, but the roots have been growing for over 9,500 years.
The tree’s survival is due to its ability to clone itself by sending out new trunks, branches, and roots. The tree’s current trunk is estimated to be around 600 years old.
The tree has become a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can hike to the tree’s location in Fulufjället National Park.
The park has strict rules to protect the tree, including a ban on touching or climbing on it. The tree’s location is marked with a signpost and a fence to protect it from damage.
Alerce Tree
The Alerce tree, also known as Fitzroya cupressoides, is a species of tree that can be found in the Andes mountains of South America.
This tree is one of the oldest living things in the world, with some specimens estimated to be over 3,500 years old.
The Alerce tree can grow up to 200 feet tall and has a trunk diameter of up to 13 feet. It has a unique reddish-brown bark and needle-like leaves that can grow up to 1 inch long.
The tree is also known for its durable wood, which is resistant to decay and is often used for building and furniture.
The Cypress of Abarkuh
The Cypress of Abarkuh is a famous and ancient tree located in Iran. It is believed to be one of the oldest living trees in the world. It is estimated to be between 4000 and 5000 years old.
The tree is really tall, reaching about 25 meters high. Its trunk is extremely thick and gnarled, showing its age.
Locals say it’s been standing there since ancient times, witnessing history pass by.
The tree has become a symbol of strength and endurance. Many visitors come to see it every year, amazed by its longevity.
Some even believe it has magical powers.
Interesting huh?
King’s Lomatia
King’s Lomatia, also known as King’s Holly, is a species of flowering plant that is native to the Andes of Chile. It is one of the oldest living things in the world, with some individual plants estimated to be over 3,000 years old.
The King’s Lomatia is a small, slow-growing tree that typically grows to a height of 10-15 feet. It has dark green, glossy leaves and produces small flowers in the spring.
The tree’s bark is smooth and gray, and its wood is extremely hard and dense.
Interesting fact: The King's Lomatia is named after Sir James King, who discovered the plant during an expedition to South America in the 1820s.
Pando
Pando, also known as “The Trembling Giant,” is a massive grove of quaking aspen trees located in Utah, USA. It is considered one of the oldest living organisms in the world, estimated to be around 80,000 years old.
The grove (forest) covers an area of approximately 106 acres and is made up of over 40,000 individual trees, all of which are genetically identical and connected by a single root system.
This makes Pando not only one of the oldest living things in the world but also one of the largest living organisms on the planet.
Interesting fact: Pando's root system is estimated to weigh over 6,000 tons, making it one of the heaviest living organisms on Earth.
Seagrass Posidonia
Seagrass Posidonia is a species of aquatic flowering plant that has been living in the Mediterranean Sea for over 100,000 years.
It is often referred to as Neptune grass, and it is considered one of the oldest living organisms in the world. The plant has been able to survive for so long due to its unique ability to clone itself.
Seagrass Posidonia is an important component of the Mediterranean ecosystem. It provides shelter and food for a variety of marine species, including fish, crustaceans, and sea turtles.
The plant also plays a crucial role in stabilizing the seabed, preventing erosion, and protecting the coastline from storms.
Interesting Fact: Seagrass Posidonia is so important to the Mediterranean ecosystem that it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
