The longest-living animal known to date is the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus). These fascinating creatures inhabit the cold waters of the North Atlantic, particularly around Greenland and Iceland. Research suggests that some individuals can live for an exceptionally long time, potentially exceeding 400 years.
Determining the exact lifespan of Greenland sharks is challenging as they grow very slowly and their longevity makes them difficult to study. Scientists use various techniques, including radiocarbon dating of eye tissue and the presence of specific chemical markers, to estimate their age.
It’s worth noting that other long-lived animals include the bowhead whale, which can live over 200 years, and certain species of tortoises, such as the Galapagos tortoise, which can live well over 100 years. However, the Greenland shark holds the record for the longest-known lifespan among animals.