9 Animals That Absolutely Love The Heat
2. Saharan Silver Ant
The Saharan silver ant lives in the great African desert of the same name, surviving temperatures nearing 120 degrees Fahrenheit. But unlike some of its desert-dwelling compatriots, this ant forages during the day. When this ant searches for food, it does so in quick 10-minute spans, allowing it to cool off between expeditions.
1. Water Bear
The smallest animal on this list also happens to be the hardiest. The water bear, or tardigrade, is a microscopic organism that lives in the water. It can survive temperatures from 212 degrees Fahrenheit to absolute zero by going into suspended animation. Its metabolism nearly stops and it dries out until it’s placed again in water, and it can last decades in this state. Now that’s tough!
These aren’t the only animals that can live in super-hot climates. The pupfish lives in waters where temperatures reach 100 degrees or more, while the Pompeii worm lives near underwater thermal vents that warm the water to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. All these animals share a remarkable ability to thrive in hot temperatures, which they’ve clearly adapted over countless years surviving in extreme environments.
