Researchers Find Greenland Sharks Can Live For 400 Years
- 8 years ago
An international team of researchers recently found a Greenland shark that has been alive for no less than 272 years. It could be as old as 512.
While some sea creatures get to spend their lives frolicking about in the tropics, others are left to endure the frigid waters of the Arctic.
Unfair though that sounds, the icy environs have actually served one shark species rather well which scientists estimate may live for 400 years or longer.
According to the Los Angeles Times, an international team of researchers recently found a Greenland shark that has been alive for no less than 272 years. It could be as old as 512.
Either way, that’s a record-breaker.
Prior to this discovery, the oldest known vertebrate was a bowhead whale that lived to be 211, notes NPR.
Further, even at the minimum estimate, the Greenland shark’s longevity earns its species the distinction of being the longest-living vertebrate on the planet.
Though the creatures can reach lengths up to 20 feet, growth occurs at a rate as low as a centimeter per year.
Sexual maturity is slow to arrive as well. Females can be upwards of 150 years old before being able to procreate, notes New Scientist.
While some sea creatures get to spend their lives frolicking about in the tropics, others are left to endure the frigid waters of the Arctic.
Unfair though that sounds, the icy environs have actually served one shark species rather well which scientists estimate may live for 400 years or longer.
According to the Los Angeles Times, an international team of researchers recently found a Greenland shark that has been alive for no less than 272 years. It could be as old as 512.
Either way, that’s a record-breaker.
Prior to this discovery, the oldest known vertebrate was a bowhead whale that lived to be 211, notes NPR.
Further, even at the minimum estimate, the Greenland shark’s longevity earns its species the distinction of being the longest-living vertebrate on the planet.
Though the creatures can reach lengths up to 20 feet, growth occurs at a rate as low as a centimeter per year.
Sexual maturity is slow to arrive as well. Females can be upwards of 150 years old before being able to procreate, notes New Scientist.