Scientists say this “sleepy” shark may be the oldest living vertebrate on Earth
The Greenland shark is thought to be the longest-lived vertebrate on Earth, with some individuals estimated to live for 250-500 years. A recent study using radiocarbon dating found that the oldest female Greenland shark had lived up to 272 years.
The Greenland shark is considered the longest-lived vertebrate on Earth. Some individuals are estimated to live for 250-500 years. Researchers used radiocarbon dating to determine the age of the sharks, examining eye lens tissues that develop in the earliest stages of life. The oldest female Greenland shark was found to have lived up to 272 years. The shark's slow metabolism, due to living in cold waters near the North Pole and North Atlantic, is thought to contribute to its longevity. Greenland sharks are also characterized by their slow growth, late sexual maturity, and ability to survive in harsh environments with poor vision, relying on their sense of smell instead.
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