Nature runs on its own clock. While some creatures, like tortoises and Greenland sharks, can live for centuries , others experience life in fast-forward. Some animals complete their entire existence in just days, from birth to reproduction to death. But why does evolution favor such fleeting lifespans for some species? The Shortest-Lived Creatures on Earth Most of the world’s shortest-lived animals are insects, but some fish, reptiles, and even mammals also have shockingly brief lifespans. Below are some of the most short-lived species: Mayflies: The One-Day Wonders Lifespan: ~1 day Why so short? Mayflies have one of the most extreme life cycles, living just long enough to reproduce. Their larvae develop in water for months before emerging as winged adults that live only a few hours. Despite their brevity, they play a crucial role in ecosystems, serving as a food source for fish and birds. Interestingly, mayfly larvae are an indicator of clean, well-oxygenated water. Luna Moths: A W...
Freshwater is essential for life, yet it’s surprisingly scarce. While our planet is covered in water, only about 2.5% of it is freshwater, and most of that is locked away in glaciers, ice caps, or deep underground. That leaves only a tiny fraction available in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs—where people, animals, and ecosystems rely on it every day. But freshwater isn’t spread evenly across the globe. Some countries have an abundance, while others struggle with scarcity.Let’s take a look at where the world’s freshwater is concentrated, based on data from the World Bank , with a visualization created by Visual Capitalist to help illustrate it. Who Controls the Most Freshwater? According to the data, just five countries hold over 35% of the planet’s renewable freshwater supply: Brazil (13%) – Home to the Amazon Basin, which alone accounts for one-fifth of global river flow. Russia (10%) – Holds vast freshwater reserves, including Lake Baikal, which contains 20% of the world's unfr...