A groundbreaking scientific discovery has revealed a staggering secret: the Greenland shark, a creature of the deep, may be the longest-living vertebrate on Earth. Recent research suggests that these enigmatic creatures could be up to 500 years old!
A Lifespan Beyond Imagination
Using radiocarbon dating techniques, scientists have estimated the ages of Greenland sharks, finding that one female specimen could be as old as 400 years. This astonishing longevity surpasses the previous record holder, a bowhead whale estimated to be 211 years old.
Greenland sharks swim through the cold waters of the Arctic and the North Atlantic at such a sluggish pace that has earned them the nickname “sleeper sharks.” Image credit: Julius NielsenThe Slowest of Giants
Greenland sharks are not only ancient but also incredibly slow-moving. They inhabit the frigid waters of the Arctic and North Atlantic, gliding through the depths at a leisurely pace. This sluggish lifestyle, combined with their cold-water environment, contributes to their remarkable lifespan.
Image credit: Dive MagazineA Century to Mature
These ancient creatures take an exceptionally long time to reach adulthood. Scientists estimate that Greenland sharks don’t become 𝓈ℯ𝓍ually mature until they are around 150 years old, based on their slow growth rate of just 1cm per year.
A newly tagged Greenland shark returns to the deep and cold waters of the Uummannaq Fjord in western Greenland. Image credit: Julius NielsenRadiocarbon Dating Reveals Age Secrets
The research team utilized radiocarbon levels in the eye tissue of the sharks to determine their ages. By analyzing the amount of radiocarbon absorbed from atmospheric nuclear weapons tests in the 1960s, scientists could estimate the age of the sharks based on the levels present in their eyes.
A Greenland shark near the ocean surface after its release from research vessel Sanna in northern Greenland. Image credit: Julius NielsenA 95% Confidence Level
The researchers concluded that the Greenland sharks they studied were at least 272 years old, but could potentially be as old as 512 years. With a 95% confidence level, the most likely age range for these ancient creatures is between 272 and 512 years.
This guy could be half a millennium old. Image credit: Julius Nielsen/University of ExeterWhy Do Greenland Sharks Live So Long?
The longevity of Greenland sharks can be attributed to several factors:
- Slow Metabolism: Their sluggish lifestyle and cold environment contribute to a very slow metabolic rate.
- Cold Waters: The frigid temperatures of the Arctic and North Atlantic help preserve their tissues and slow down aging processes.
A Fascinating Discovery
The discovery of the Greenland shark’s incredible lifespan is a testament to the mysteries of the natural world. As scientists continue to explore the depths of the oceans, we can expect to uncover even more astonishing secrets about these ancient and extraordinary creatures.
