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Who has the shortest lifespan? The ephemeral world of mayflies and other fast-living creatures

The mayfly is famously known for its incredibly brief adult life, often lasting less than 24 hours. This iconic insect is just one example of the many creatures that have an exceptionally short lifespan, spending most of their existence in a juvenile state before a rapid, reproductive-focused adulthood. Exploring who has the shortest lifespan reveals a fascinating biological trade-off between longevity and reproductive strategy.