“Cockroaches can survive a nuclear explosion”

The idea that cockroaches could survive a nuclear explosion likely gained traction in the aftermath of the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, with anecdotal reports of insects, including cockroaches, being observed in the devastated areas. This notion was further fueled during the Cold War era, becoming a popular cultural reference point for their extreme hardiness. The 2008 animated film "Wall-E" also featured a cockroach as the titular robot's sole companion, perpetuating the widespread misconception.

Scientifically, cockroaches do possess a higher resistance to radiation than humans. While a lethal dose for humans can be as low as 800 rads, some cockroach species can withstand radiation doses of up to 10,000 rads, which is approximately ten times more. This enhanced tolerance is largely attributed to their slower and less frequent cell division cycles compared to mammals. Cells are most vulnerable to radiation damage during division, so the less often an organism's cells divide, the more resistant it tends to be. However, a nuclear explosion involves more than just radiation; the immense heat of the fireball and the crushing force of the blast wave would instantly vaporize or obliterate any cockroach in the vicinity of ground zero.

People commonly cling to this myth due to the cockroach's well-deserved reputation for extreme resilience in general. These insects are known for their ability to survive decapitation for weeks, endure long periods without food, and thrive in diverse, often harsh, environments. Their flattened bodies also allow them to escape into tiny crevices, further contributing to the perception of their invincibility. It is this overall hardiness, combined with the dramatic imagery of a post-apocalyptic world, that makes the idea of cockroaches inheriting the Earth so compelling, even if the truth about their nuclear blast survival is more nuanced.