The most long-lived vertebrates on Earth has become a 400-year-old shark – RBC

Greenland shark

Photo: Julius Nielsen via AP

The most long-lived vertebrates on the planet, scientists have recognized Greenland shark. Age of the oldest of them, scientists have estimated in 400 years

Greenland Shark became the most long-lived vertebrates on the planet. The oldest of them are about 400 years, according to a study of Danish scientists, which was published in the journal Science.

In order to determine the age of a shark of this species, the researchers examined 28 animals. Most of them died after having been caught. Radiocarbon analysis showed that Greenland sharks grow by just 1 cm per year and reach sexual maturity at 150 years. Based on these data, scientists have found that one of the captured was about 400 years old.

«We assumed that we are dealing with an unusual animal, but the fact that sharks were so old, it was a surprise to us” – said the study’s lead author – a marine biologist at the University of Copenhagen, Julius Nielsen, as quoted by the BBC BBC

Prior to this record a long-lived vertebrate was the bowhead whale, whose age is estimated at 211 years

The most long-lived living creature on Earth is considered to be 507-year-old clam Ming, named in honor of the Chinese Ming dynasty, during the reign of which he was born.

Greenland shark on board the research vessel

Photo: Julius Nielsen via AP

Greenland shark

Photos : Julius Nielsen via AP

Greenland shark belongs to the genus Somniosidae (pryamorotye) sharks and is the largest member of the order squaliformes. It lives off the north-west coast of Europe and Greenland, sometimes it can be found in the northern coast of Russia.