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Journalism of Courage
From the depths of the ocean to the icy Arctic waters, nature is home to some astonishingly long-lived animals.
These species have evolved to survive extreme environments and live far beyond what we typically associate with animal lifespans.
Most long-lived animals share a few common traits. They grow and mature slowly, live in environments with few threats, have efficient DNA repair mechanisms, and don’t suffer from many age-related diseases. These biological advantages mean their bodies simply don’t wear out the same way others do. Studying these creatures helps scientists understand ageing and may even provide clues for human longevity.
But who really holds the crown when it comes to the longest lifespan? And what can we learn from these time-defying creatures?
A humble clam might not seem impressive at first, but the ocean quahog is anything but ordinary. One specimen named Ming was estimated to be over 500 years old when discovered off the coast of Iceland. These bivalves live in cold, deep waters and grow extremely slowly, which scientists believe contributes to their impressive longevity.
These elusive giants of the deep Arctic can live for over 400 years, making them the longest-living vertebrates known to science. One individual was estimated to be nearly 400 years old, possibly born in the early 1600s. They mature incredibly slowly and have few predators, which may contribute to their slow biological ageing.
Bowhead whales, native to Arctic and sub-Arctic waters, can live well over 200 years. In fact, harpoons dating back to the 1800s have been found embedded in some individuals, proving their astonishing age. Scientists believe their thick blubber and slow metabolism help them withstand extreme conditions and age gracefully.
Living in the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean, this small fish can survive for up to 200 years. Though not as famous as whales or sharks, the rougheye rockfish is one of the longest-living fish species. Their slow growth rate and deep-sea habitat likely help protect them from predators and disease.
These iconic reptiles from the Galápagos Islands are famous not just for their size but also their age. Many live past 100 years, and some have been recorded living over 175 years. Their slow pace of life, vegetarian diet, and lack of natural predators play a role in their longevity.
Found in the shallow waters of the Pacific Ocean, these prickly creatures can live more than 200 years. They continue to reproduce even at old ages, which is rare in the animal kingdom. Their simple anatomy and low-stress lifestyle are thought to help them avoid ageing-related decline.
While not technically immortal in every sense, this jellyfish has a unique ability: it can revert to its juvenile form after reaching adulthood. This biological trick allows it to potentially escape death by ageing—though it can still be killed by predators or disease.
Understanding the biology of long-living animals is valuable. These creatures offer insights into how life can be stretched over centuries, and what might cause ageing in other species, including humans. By studying how they repair cells, resist disease, and survive stress, we might one day apply these findings to extend our own health spans.
