Comparison of Human and Cockroach Survival in Global Catastrophes

Physical Structure and Adaptation

The survivability of a cockroach can be described as 'superheroic.' Unlike the internal skeleton of a human, a cockroach has an exoskeleton made of a tough substance called chitin. This outer shell protects it from severe pressure and trauma. Humans breathe through lungs and the nose, and if the head is separated from the body, death occurs instantly due to massive blood loss and lack of oxygen. A cockroach, however, breathes through tiny openings on its body called spiracles.

Moreover, cockroaches do not have blood pressure as high as humans, so severing the head does not result in severe bleeding. They can remain alive for weeks without a head; their death only comes from starvation or thirst.

Cockroach Advantages Over Humans

Research and the study of fossils show that cockroaches have inhabited Earth for about 320 million years. This means they witnessed both the appearance and extinction of dinosaurs. They also survived the destruction of approximately three-quarters of species, which led to the demise of the dinosaurs.

Cockroach genes are characterized by high complexity and flexibility. According to a study published in Nature Communications, the 'American cockroach' possesses the largest gene pool among all insects. Their DNA codes for genes that neutralize toxins, fight diseases, and are capable of repairing or regenerating organs. This is why they rapidly develop resistance to chemical pesticides, and the effect of these substances on them quickly diminishes.

Resistance to Nuclear Radiation

The most significant scientific difference between humans and cockroaches lies in their ability to withstand nuclear radiation. When atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, humans died immediately, but cockroaches were found alive among the debris. In an experiment conducted on the MythBusters show on Discovery Channel, it was established that humans die from as little as 5–10 Gray of radiation, whereas cockroaches can easily tolerate lethal doses ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 Gray.

Scientists hypothesize that cockroach cells divide much slower than human cells, which prevents their DNA from being destroyed by radiation.

The Future of Cockroaches After Human Extinction

The scientific answer to whether cockroaches will remain in the world after humans disappear is a definitive yes. If a nuclear war occurs, a deadly global epidemic strikes, or severe climate changes lead to human extinction, cockroaches will continue to thrive. They can live for a month without food and two weeks without water. They can sustain themselves by eating glue, paper, skin, and even their dead conspecifics. As long as there is any moisture and organic matter left on Earth, the existence of cockroaches will not cease. They will occupy new habitats in concrete buildings and bunkers created by humans, and they will rule the planet.