How did cockroaches survive the asteroid that led to the extinction of dinosaurs?

Cockroaches have been on Earth far longer than humans and may outlast us. Here are a few reasons why.

By: Brian Lovett, West Virginia University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: July 5, 2026

Words: 801

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 3 days ago

By Brian Lovett, West Virginia University

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com.

How did cockroaches survive the asteroid that led to the extinction of dinosaurs? – Kinjal, age 11, Delhi, India

When the rock now known as the Chicxulub impactor plummeted from outer space and slammed into the Earth 66 million …

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