Cockroaches are one of the most hated insects on earth. We hate them because they are creepy and have the ability to thrive in even the most filthy conditions. They can live without heads, they can survive atomic blasts, and now we know that they can even play peek-a-boo. Yes, you read it right.
Cockroaches have many weird abilities that help them survive in almost any environment and situation. But why do cockroaches exist? Do we really need cockroaches? Do cockroaches have a special purpose in our world? Let’s find out more about this strange creature.
6 Reasons Why Cockroaches Exist
Cockroaches are the epitome of ugliness, and for good reason too. They are among the creepiest creatures on Earth. Nobody likes them, not even other bugs. Well, almost nobody. There must be some logic behind their existence and survival as a species that has survived for over 280 million years without going extinct — that’s longer than humans have even existed as a species! What is it about cockroaches that makes them so resilient? And why do they continue to thrive despite the efforts of humankind to eradicate them? Let’s explore 11 reasons why cockroaches exist:
They are extremely adaptable
The most common trait of all species that have survived for millennia is their ability to adapt to new circumstances. Cockroaches are no different. They have survived meteors, global warming and ice ages in the past. They can survive in any environment. They are also very resistant to radiation, which is a very important trait given the increasing threat of global nuclear war.
Cockroaches can also eat just about anything. This also ensures their survival, as they won’t need to go without if a particular food source dries up or becomes scarce. Their diet includes decaying organic matter, live or dead insects, blood, food scraps, paper, leather, and even starch from book bindings!
They can survive almost anywhere
Cockroaches have the ability to survive any natural disaster, including floods, earthquakes and tornadoes. They can even survive in the vacuum of space and in nuclear fallout. However, cockroaches are most at home in tropical regions, and they are renowned for surviving in the harshest of conditions, such as the sub-zero temperatures of Antarctica.
They can also withstand significant changes in temperature, with the cold-blooded ones thriving in the summer and the warm-blooded species flourishing in the winter. Even when submerged under water, cockroaches can survive for up to six hours.
They have a high reproduction rate
Inevitably, when it comes to survival, there are some species that are very fecund. And cockroaches are one of them. A female cockroach can produce up to 40 eggs every week (including during winter). That’s about one egg every three hours. On average, a female cockroach can produce about 800 offspring in her lifetime.
When you consider that there are 45 identified species of cockroach, it seems cockroaches can survive due to their high breeding rate. It’s important to note that they don’t breed all year round. Depending on the species, they can even breed twice a year. However, once you consider that each female can produce anywhere between 100 and 800 offspring, you’re looking at a formidable number of cockroaches.
Their anatomy makes them nearly indestructible
Cockroaches’ exoskeletons are very strong, which means they can withstand a lot of damage. But there’s more. Their exoskeletons are impermeable to gas and liquids. A cockroach’s blood is also remarkably similar to that of humans.
This makes the acquisition of poisons or antibiotics for roaches very difficult. Their anatomy makes them nearly indestructible, and it also makes them very difficult to kill. Just one drop of some insecticides can kill about 50 cockroaches.
It’s no surprise that cockroaches have survived for so long. Their exoskeletons also make them excellent swimmers. Some species also have lungs that work as gills while they’re underwater. This helps them to survive floods and any other kind of water-related disaster.
They are food for other animals and even humans
Cockroaches are an attractive source of food for other animals and insects. This has helped them to survive. For instance, a number of species of birds feed on cockroaches. This includes the vultures of the Americas and even the bald eagles of the USA.
Cockroaches are also eaten by a wide variety of mammals, including the chimpanzees of Africa and a number of species of bats. Even rodents like rats and mice feed on cockroaches. In fact, humans have also consumed cockroaches as part of their diet. This has been documented in Asia and Africa, where they are considered a delicacy.
Despite everything, they will survive
Cockroaches can survive almost anything. They can survive extreme temperatures, extreme water pressure, starvation, dehydration, and even nuclear fallout. They can also survive in space and in the vacuum of outer space.
Even if they don’t, they can produce up to 800 offspring every two weeks. These are the reasons why cockroaches exist. They are extremely adaptable, can survive almost anywhere, have a high reproduction rate, their anatomy makes them nearly indestructible, they are food for other animals and even humans, and despite everything, they will survive. These are the reasons why cockroaches exist.
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