<p>The Greenland shark, one of the most mysterious creatures of the deep, has long intrigued scientists with its astounding lifespan. Inhabiting the cold, dark waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, this species is unique in its ability to survive the freezing temperatures year-round. Some sharks of this species may have been swimming in these waters since the colonial era, but researchers are only now beginning to unravel the secrets of their longevity.</p>

<h2><strong>The longest-living vertebrate</strong></h2>

<p>In 2016, research confirmed that the Greenland shark holds the title of the longest-living vertebrate. Estimates suggest these sharks can live up to 400 years, with some individuals possibly reaching lifespans anywhere from 272 to over 500 years. While scientists had long suspected the shark’s remarkable longevity due to its slow metabolism, they had no way to pinpoint the exact mechanisms—until now.</p>

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<h2><strong>A groundbreaking discovery in shark genomics</strong></h2>

<p>An international team of scientists has mapped the genome of the Greenland shark for the first time, sequencing about 92 per cent of its DNA. This major accomplishment sheds light on the shark’s biological makeup and provides clues to its extraordinary lifespan.</p>

<p>According to Dr. Steve Hoffman, senior author of the new research and computational biologist at the Leibniz Institute on Aging, the genome could reveal critical mutations that contribute to the shark’s longevity.</p>

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<h2><strong>Understanding longevity and human lifespan</strong></h2>

<p>The Greenland shark's exceptional lifespan is not only a scientific marvel but could also offer insights into human longevity. Given the rarity of animals living longer than humans relative to their size and weight, studying these sharks’ ageing mechanisms could open the door to extending human lifespans. The discovery could potentially lead to breakthroughs in ageing research and improve understanding of the biological processes that influence human health and longevity.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


The Greenland shark, one of the most mysterious creatures of the deep, has long intrigued scientists with its astounding lifespan. Inhabiting the cold, dark waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, this species is unique in its ability to survive the freezing temperatures year-round.

The Greenland shark, one of the most mysterious creatures of the deep, has long intrigued scientists with its astounding lifespan. Inhabiting the cold, dark waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, this species is unique in its ability to survive the freezing temperatures year-round. Some sharks of this species may have been swimming in these waters since the colonial era, but researchers are only now beginning to unravel the secrets of their longevity. The longest-living vertebrate In 2016, research confirmed that the Greenland shark holds the title of the longest-living vertebrate. Estimates suggest these sharks can live up to 400 years, with some individuals possibly reaching lifespans anywhere from 272 to over 500 years. While scientists had long suspected the shark’s remarkable longevity due to its slow metabolism, they had no way to pinpoint the exact mechanisms—until now. Also read | Hundreds of vials of deadly virus go missing from Australian lab in ‘major biosecurity breach' A groundbreaking discovery in shark genomics An international team of scientists has mapped the genome of the Greenland shark for the first time, sequencing about 92 per cent of its DNA. This major accomplishment sheds light on the shark’s biological makeup and provides clues to its extraordinary lifespan. According to Dr. Steve Hoffman, senior author of the new research and computational biologist at the Leibniz Institute on Aging, the genome could reveal critical mutations that contribute to the shark’s longevity. Also read | Omega-6 fatty acid decreasing ability to fight against cancer cells, warns study Understanding longevity and human lifespan The Greenland shark's exceptional lifespan is not only a scientific marvel but could also offer insights into human longevity. Given the rarity of animals living longer than humans relative to their size and weight, studying these sharks’ ageing mechanisms could open the door to extending human lifespans. The discovery could potentially lead to breakthroughs in ageing research and improve understanding of the biological processes that influence human health and longevity. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists say Greenland shark's genome holds clues to extending human lifespan

<p>The 500-year-old Greenland Shark -- recently found by a team of Danish experts -- is now being reported to be 392 years old contradictory to earlier claims doing the rounds on the internet stating the massive shark to be 512 years old.</p>

<p>Previously, various reports attributed the shark to be a Greenland shark found living in the North Atlantic and Arctic&nbsp;waters. The mammoth sea-creature could very well be the oldest living vertebrate in the world.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba64ipUjNSF/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Greenland sharks are the longest-living vertebrates known on Earth. A team of scientists found that the sharks grow at just 1cm a year and reach sexual maturity at about the age of 150. The oldest recorded Greenland shark is said to be around 400 years old. photo by @paulnicklen - - - #oceanicwildlifeconservation #oceanicwildlife #saveourocean #nature #ocean #oceanlife #shark #sharks #helpsavesharks #saveoursharks #greenland #greenlandshark #greenlandsharkproject #arctic #norway #conservation #oceanconservation #marineconservation #marinelife #wildlifephotography #wildanimals #wildlife #oceanencounters #oldshark #vertebrate #funfact #climatechange #science</a></p>

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<p>According to report published in Metro, UK, the fish is believed to have been around since 1505 and depending on its current length -- 18 feet -- can be anywhere between 272 to 512 years old. The species is known to grow by a centimetre every year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A typical Greenland Shark can live up to 400 years in temperature ranging between -1&deg; Celsius and 10&deg; Celsius. It can swim as deep as 7,200 feet and can weigh more than a tonne.</p>


A typical Greenland Shark can live up to 400 years

The 500-year-old Greenland Shark -- recently found by a team of Danish experts -- is now being reported to be 392 years old contradictory to earlier claims doing the rounds on the internet stating the massive shark to be 512 years old. Previously, various reports attributed the shark to be a Greenland shark found living in the North Atlantic and Arctic waters. The mammoth sea-creature could very well be the oldest living vertebrate in the world. Greenland sharks are the longest-living vertebrates known on Earth. A team of scientists found that the sharks grow at just 1cm a year and reach sexual maturity at about the age of 150. The oldest recorded Greenland shark is said to be around 400 years old. photo by @paulnicklen - - - #oceanicwildlifeconservation #oceanicwildlife #saveourocean #nature #ocean #oceanlife #shark #sharks #helpsavesharks #saveoursharks #greenland #greenlandshark #greenlandsharkproject #arctic #norway #conservation #oceanconservation #marineconservation #marinelife #wildlifephotography #wildanimals #wildlife #oceanencounters #oldshark #vertebrate #funfact #climatechange #science A post shared by Oceanic Wildlife Conservation (@oceanicwildlife) on Oct 31, 2017 at 10:02am PDT × According to report published in Metro, UK, the fish is believed to have been around since 1505 and depending on its current length -- 18 feet -- can be anywhere between 272 to 512 years old. The species is known to grow by a centimetre every year. A typical Greenland Shark can live up to 400 years in temperature ranging between -1° Celsius and 10° Celsius. It can swim as deep as 7,200 feet and can weigh more than a tonne.

Arctic Greenland Shark can be around 500-year-old, experts say

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Scientists say Greenland shark's genome holds clues to extending human lifespan

Arctic Greenland Shark can be around 500-year-old, experts say