Scientists confirm Arctic sharks live over 400 years
Question asked:
“Scientists have confirmed the existence of sharks in the Arctic that can live for more than 400 years, making them the longest-living vertebrates on the planet.”
Summary
Scientific studies using radiocarbon dating have estimated that Greenland sharks in the Arctic can live around 400 years, with some estimates reaching up to 500 years. This makes them the longest‑living vertebrates known. The claim is supported by recent peer‑reviewed research and major news reporting.
Sources 59 searched
- How long do Greenland sharks live?
Scientists estimate the Greenland shark lives at least 250 years. They may live over 500 years.
- Eye lens radiocarbon reveals centuries of longevity in the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) | Science
Greenland sharks can live to be 400 years old and only become sexually mature at 150, raising conservation concerns.
- Eye lens radiocarbon reveals centuries of longevity in the ...
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- In the Eyes of One Shark, Age is Nothing to Fear | Smithsonian Ocean
It now holds the record for longest documented lifespan of any vertebrate. The new discovery points to an age of roughly 400 years, meaning that some sharks swimming in today’s Arctic ...
- Arctic sharks – Florida Program for Shark Research
These amazing sharks are believed to be some of the oldest living vertebrates, with high estimates saying they can live over 400 years. Less is known about the Pacific Sleeper Shark, I guess you could say we shark scientists have been… sleeping ...
- Old and cold: extreme longevity in Greenland sharks | Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Based on radiocarbon dating of ... between 2010 and 2013, the scientists calculate an age of 392 years for their largest specimen—a 16-foot behemoth—with an uncertainty of plus or minus 120 years....
- Greenland Shark That's Nearly 400 Years Old Shown in Viral Pic? | Snopes.com
The shark featured in the image ... study. Throughout their research, scientists at the University of Copenhagen found that such sharks may live upwards of 400 — or even 500 — years....
- This Shark Lives 400 Years. Its DNA May Explain Why. - The New York Times
And its eyes, perpetually cloudy, ... Arctic oceans. But looks aside, the species has a surprising capacity: It can live for as long as about 400 years....
- 400-year-old Greenland shark is oldest vertebrate animal | Sharks | The Guardian
Campana says while the approach taken by the researchers is sound, he remains unconvinced that Greenland sharks live for almost 400 years.
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