Fact #25
June 23, 2026The "Immortal Jellyfish" Can Restart Its Life
The immortal jellyfish, Turritopsis dohrnii, possesses a remarkable survival mechanism. Under conditions of environmental stress or physical trauma, it can reverse its life cycle, reverting from a mature medusa back to its juvenile polyp stage.
Mini Facts
1
It was first described in 1883, but its age-reversing ability was discovered about a century later.
2
Its body is only a few millimeters wide, making it easy to miss in the ocean.
3
The process involves cells changing into different cell types, a rare ability known as transdifferentiation.
4
It is not truly invincible - it can still be eaten or killed before it "resets."