A few months ago, a team of scientists stumbled upon an ancient shark in the North Atlantic Ocean. Initially, they knew this shark was a senior, but recent findings estimate its age to be an astonishing 512 years.
At 512 years old, this ancient shark holds the title of the oldest living vertebrate on the planet. While half a millennium might seem like an extraordinary age, Greenland sharks are known for their longevity due to their incredibly slow growth rates. These sharks typically reach maturity at 150 years old, and some have been reported to live nearly 400 years. This recent discovery of a 512-year-old shark sets a new record.
This age means the shark was born around 1505, predating Shakespeare.
The discovery was detailed in a research study published in the journal Science. Marine biologist Julius Nielsen and his team used radiocarbon dating of the shark's eye lenses to estimate its age. “It definitely tells us that this creature is extraordinary and it should be considered among the absolute oldest animals in the world,” Nielsen stated.
This research suggests that Greenland sharks can live far longer than previously thought. The study analyzed 28 Greenland sharks, using a new age determination method that brings much-needed accuracy, unlike older, unreliable methods. Previously, scientists estimated age based on size, as sharks in the Somniosidae family grow about 0.4 inches per year. While this provided rough estimates, it wasn't scientifically accurate, especially for mature sharks.
"Fish biologists have tried to determine the age and longevity of Greenland sharks for decades, but without success. Given that this shark is the apex predator in Arctic waters, it is almost unbelievable that we didn’t know whether the shark lives for 20 years or for 1,000 years,” said Steven Campana from the University of Iceland.
Nielsen has devoted much of his academic career to studying Greenland sharks. These sharks are known to consume rotting polar bear carcasses and often suffer from eye parasites, which affect their appearance.
Because these sharks can live for centuries, they tend to migrate rather than staying in one spot. Genetic analysis of sharks from various locations showed similarities, suggesting a common origin before dispersing globally. While much about their reproduction remains a mystery, it is known that they prefer the cold waters of the Arctic.
Future research aims to uncover the secrets behind the Greenland shark's remarkable longevity. Scientists hope to discover the genetic factors that contribute to their long life and draw connections to life expectancy in other species.
“This is the longest living vertebrate on the planet,” Nielsen said. “Together with colleagues in Denmark, Greenland, USA, and China, we are currently sequencing its whole nuclear genome. This will help us understand why the Greenland shark not only outlives other shark species but all other vertebrates.”
When asked how a shark could live for over 500 years, Nielsen suggested that a slow metabolism and cold water might play a role. However, he admits that more research is needed, and this explanation is still just a theory. “The answer likely has to do with a very slow metabolism and the cold waters that they inhabit. I’m just the messenger on this. I have no idea.”
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