Longest Living Animals
Nature is wild, and nature can be crazy. It has millions of species out there, and some outlive others. Some of the oldest creatures on Earth are more than 400 years old. In fact, few of them are even immortal and do not die of old age. Animals with the longest lifespans are the animals that live over 100 years. These are some of the longest-living animals. In this article, we have listed some of the oldest creatures on Earth, which are nature‘s longest-living species.
Top 10 of nature’s longest-living species
- Turritopsis dohrnii
- Ocean Quahog
- Greenland Shark
- Rougheye Rockfish
- Bowhead Whale
- Red Sea Urchin
- Galápagos Tortoise
- Aldabra Giant Tortoise
- Lake Sturgeon
- Freshwater Pearl Mussel
Turritopsis dohrnii
The longest-living animal on our list of nature’s longest-living species is the Turritopsis dohrnii, popularly known as the immortal jellyfish. It is one of the most bizarre creatures with a life cycle of biological immortality. First identified in the late 19th century by marine biologist Christian Sommer, this creature has a genetic ability to reverse its aging process by transdifferentiation, where adult cells can revert to an earlier developmental stage. This animal plays a crucial role in scientific research. Scientists are studying it for anti-cancer research and various other regenerative medicines.
Ocean Quahog
Another creature on our list of animals that live over 100 years is the ocean quahog. This species has lived for more than 500 years. They are deep-sea clams usually found in cold water near the northern Arctic. One of the oldest species was discovered in 2006, which was estimated to be around 507 years old. Scientists determine their age by counting the rings on their shells.
Greenland Shark
Greenland sharks are the longest-living vertebrates on Earth, living over 400 years. These sharks are known to be the oldest creatures on Earth. Their slow growth rate, low predation risk, longevity, and cold water environment make them animals with the longest lifespan. Their reproductive maturity age arrives at a late stage of 150 years, and they could give birth to around 10 pups.
Rougheye Rockfish
The next creature on our list of the longest-living animals is the Rougheye Rockfish. These are the fish species that are found in the northern Pacific Ocean that stay in the deep cold waters and have a slow growth rate. This species can reach a lifespan of over 200 years. They are one of the longest-living fish species on the list of longest living animals.
Bowhead Whale
The bowhead whale is another animal on our list of nature’s longest-living species. These are found in the areas and subregions where the water has a freezing temperature. They have a slow growth rate, a strong immune system, and late reproductive maturity. Bowhead whales are one of the longest-living mammals on the list of animals that live over a hundred years.
Red Sea Urchin
Red sea urchins are some of the oldest creatures on Earth. They are known to be one of the animals that can live over a hundred years. Some have an estimated age of more than 250 years. They are known for their regenerative abilities, protective habitat, slow growth rate, and high reproductive output found in the rocky sea beds. Usually, they weigh about 1 kg. They feed on kelp, algae, and decaying plant matter.
Galápagos Tortoise
Galápagos tortoises are the next creatures on our list of the oldest creatures on Earth. Native to Galápagos Island, these are some of the huge reptiles that are known for their slow movement and longevity. They can live over 150 years, and the oldest ever known was nearly 175 years of age. They feed on grasses, leaves, fruits, flowers, cacti, etc. They have a slow digestion process. This animal can weigh around 400 kg and lay up to 16 eggs per clutch.
Aldabra Giant Tortoise
The next animal on our list of longest living animals is the Aldabra Giant Tortoise. This tortoise has a lifespan of over 250 years and is known to have extremely large and strong shells. They are resilient towards environmental stress and have adapted genetics. They are herbivorous in nature and have a slow digestive system.
Lake sturgeons
Lake sturgeons are also one of the longest-living freshwater fish that can reach an age of over 150 years. These living fossils have remained unchanged over 150 million years. They are one of the animals that live over 100 years. They have a slow growth rate, tough bony structure, and late maturity, where females reach reproductive age at 20 to 25 years old. They can weigh up to 168 kg.
Freshwater Pearl Mussel
The final animal on our list is nature’s longest living species, the freshwater pearl mussel. They are the filter-feeding mussels who are effective in water purification. They can reach up to 15 cm in length and weigh around 200 g. They have a slow metabolism rate and minimal predators. They can live up to 250 years of age.
