Jellyfish are mysterious, beautiful, and ancient creatures that have floated in the oceans for millions of years.

With their translucent bodies and graceful movements, they captivate scientists and beachgoers alike.

But there's more to these ocean dwellers than meets the eye. Dive in to discover the fascinating world of jellyfish.

1. Older Than Dinosaurs

Jellyfish have existed for over 500 million years, predating dinosaurs by hundreds of millions of years. Some fossils even suggest their lineage might stretch back 700 million years. Remarkably, jellyfish fossils have been found in Utah, a reminder of when much of the U.S. was submerged under the Pacific Ocean.

2. Climate Change Survivors

Unlike many marine creatures, jellyfish adapt well to environmental changes. They thrive in warming oceans and low-oxygen environments, outpacing less-resilient organisms like plankton. While this adaptability ensures their survival, it might disrupt marine ecosystems as jellyfish populations grow in some areas.

3. Not Really Fish

Despite their name, jellyfish aren't fish. These invertebrates belong to the phylum Cnidaria and are often classified as "gelatinous zooplankton." Unlike fish, jellyfish lack gills, scales, and fins, propelling themselves by pulsing their bell-shaped bodies.

4. Mostly Water

Jellyfish are composed of 98% water. Without bones, a brain, or a heart, their bodies rely on diffusion for oxygenation. When they wash ashore, they quickly evaporate, leaving little trace behind.

5. Surprising Vision

Some jellyfish species have eyes. For instance, the box jellyfish boasts 24 eyes, two of which can detect color. This gives it a full 360-degree view of its surroundings, an impressive feat for such a simple organism.

6. The Immortal Jellyfish

The species Turritopsis dohrnii has a unique ability: it can revert its cells to an earlier state when under stress, essentially resetting its life cycle. Dubbed the "immortal jellyfish," this fascinating ability has sparked interest in medical research.

7. Dual-Purpose Digestive System

Jellyfish have a single opening that functions both for feeding and eliminating waste. While this design seems primitive, it highlights their simplicity and evolutionary efficiency.

8. Solitary Drifters

Jellyfish are mostly solitary creatures. While groups, known as blooms or smacks, occasionally form, these gatherings are usually accidental, driven by food sources or ocean currents.

9. Deadly Yet Beautiful

Some jellyfish, like the box jellyfish, are among the world's deadliest creatures. Their venom can be fatal to humans in just a few minutes, yet their delicate appearance contrasts sharply with their lethal capabilities.

10. Size Matters

Jellyfish come in various sizes. Some species are microscopic, while others, like the lion's mane jellyfish, have tentacles that extend up to 120 feet. The giant Nomura's jellyfish can weigh up to 440 pounds.

11. Space Explorers

In the 1990s, NASA sent jellyfish to space to study how they adapt to zero gravity. Humans and jellyfish share gravity-sensitive calcium crystals, making them ideal subjects for space research.

12. Culinary Curiosities

In some cultures, jellyfish are considered a delicacy. From salads to crunchy noodles, they've found their way onto plates in unique ways, showcasing their versatility beyond the ocean.

Jellyfish are not just mysterious and mesmerizing sea creatures—they are living evidence of Earth's rich evolutionary history. From their ancient origins to their incredible adaptability, these gelatinous beings continue to surprise scientists and spark curiosity. Whether it's their potential immortality, their unique anatomy, or their space adventures, jellyfish prove there's always more to learn about the natural world.