Greenland Sharks Found to Live More Than 600 Years

Another secret of the mysterious Greenland shark has been uncovered. Until now, the Greenland shark's average lifespan was believed to be around 400 years, but the new study found that it lives for more than 600 years.

Researchers at the Arctic University of Norway studied the ages of Greenland sharks using a mathematical model that analyzes the sharks' lenses and corneas, whose sizes vary with age.

The researchers examined lens crystals containing carbon that remains stable throughout the animal's lifetime. They also analyzed the sharks' tissue, bones and DNA to investigate the effects of long-term climate change and pollution.

Based on the findings, the researchers concluded that Greenland sharks live for more than 600 years, not 400, calling the species “the longest-living vertebrate on Earth.”

Professor Kim Praebel of the Arctic University of Norway, who led the study, added, “Together with colleagues from Denmark, Greenland, the United States and China, we are currently studying the complete nuclear genome sequence to determine why Greenland sharks can live longer than not only other shark species but also other vertebrates.”

Praebel noted that although the Greenland shark's lifespan has been established, few details about its biological activity are yet known. He said research on Greenland sharks would explore how genes determine lifespan in humans and animals.

[FamTimes reporter Jennylyn Gianan]