5 days ago
Nature's Timekeepers: Animals That Outlive Humans
Nature's Timekeepers: Animals That Outlive Humans
BY: Kashmik Singh Chouhan
The Greenland shark holds the title for the world's longest-living vertebrate. Swimming in the cold waters of the Arctic, this ancient creature can live over 400 years, with some individuals born before the 1600s still alive today!
Greenland Shark – The Deep-Sea Elder
Also known as Arctica islandica, the ocean quahog clam has been recorded to live for over 500 years. One specimen, nicknamed "Ming," was estimated to be born in 1499—older than the Mughal Empire!
Ocean Quahog Clam – The 500-Year Bivalve
These massive whales native to Arctic waters can live for over 200 years. With a thick blubber coat and a slow metabolism, bowhead whales defy age, surviving through generations of oceanic history.
Bowhead Whale – Arctic Giant with a Long Life
Galápagos tortoises are famous for their longevity, often living well past 100 years. Some have even crossed the 170-year mark. Their calm pace and island lifestyle likely contribute to their impressive lifespan.
Galápagos Tortoise – The Slow-Moving Centenarian
Living in the Pacific waters, red sea urchins may not look impressive—but they can live over 200 years! Despite their simple appearance, their bodies resist aging remarkably well.
Red Sea Urchin – A Spiny Survivor
While most koi live 25-40 years, there are rare stories of koi like 'Hanako,' who reportedly lived to be 226 years old in Japan. With proper care, they're more than just decorative—they're legends.
Koi Fish – Pond Royalty with Centuries to Spare
