A Greenland shark alive today could be over 400 years old – swimming since the 1600s
Published On : 2024-11-19T10:09:48+0530 [ IST ] |
Author : Mayur_Tembhare
Reading Time : 3 mins
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The Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) may not have the same fame as the great white shark but it holds an impressive distinction: it is the longest-living vertebrate species known to science. These remarkable sharks can live for up to 400 years surpassing the previous record-holder the
Despite their ancient existence the Greenland shark was only recently recognized as the longest-living vertebrate primarily because scientists had long struggled to determine its age. Unlike most sharks and other vertebrates which have hard tissues like spines that form growth rings (much like the rings inside a tree trunk), Greenland sharks lack these structures making age estimation a challenge.
Radiocarbon dating breakthrough reveals the Greenland shark's remarkable longevityRadiocarbon dating breakthrough reveals the Greenland shark
Radiocarbon dating breakthrough reveals the remarkable longevity of the Greenland shark
Heinemeier didn't set out to study Greenland sharks but his work on dating human eye lenses would ultimately help solve the mystery of the sharks' age. Radiocarbon dating works by measuring the levels of carbon-14 which fluctuate annually. Since carbon-14 levels in the eye lens remain stable over time, scientists can use this signature to determine the age of an individual
Why do Greenland sharks live so long?
Why do Greenland sharks live so long?
The exact reason for the Greenland shark's longevity remains unclear but one likely factor is the cold temperatures of the waters they inhabit, which hover around -1.6°C (29°F). Cold environments may have anti-aging effects and the shark's low metabolic rate is also thought to contribute to its prolonged lifespan.
Due to their slow metabolism Greenland sharks move very slowly at an average speed of just 0.3 metres per second (about 0.76 mph), earning them the nickname “sleeper sharks.” However they are capable of short bursts of speed when
How big are Greenland sharks?
How big are Greenland sharks?
Greenland sharks are massive growing as long as 24 feet (7.3 metres) and weighing up to 2,645 pounds (1,200 kg). However they grow at a very slow rate gaining only about 1 centimetre in length per year. Due to their slow growth they also reach sexual maturity at a very late age — around 150 years
Interestingly these slow-moving giants may not have the best eyesight. Many Greenland sharks have copepods (small crustaceans) attached to their eyes which could impair their vision although the exact effects remain uncertain.
What do Greenland sharks eat?
What do Greenland sharks eat?
Greenland sharks are apex predators but they aren't always hunters. While they catch seals and fish they also scavenge feeding on animal carcasses such as those of polar bears or reindeer that fall through the ice.
How do they interact with humans?
How do humans interact with each other?
Greenland sharks live in deep cold waters making encounters with humans extremely rare. As marine biologist Steven Campana notes these sharks are typically caught by accident in fishing nets intended for other deep-water species. There have been no recorded attacks on humans
What does the future hold for Greenland sharks?
What will the future hold for Greenland sharks?
The conservation status of Greenland sharks is still unclear but evidence suggests that they are not in immediate danger of extinction. According to Campana the fact that they are still abundant in some areas implies that human activities such as fishing have not significantly impacted their population. However their overall abundance is likely low and more research is needed
Greenland shark may not be as famous as its more aggressive relatives but it is an awe-inspiring creature with remarkable adaptations, longevity and a mysterious presence in the depths of the ocean.
Source : Reporters From Sunrise Chronicles
Tags : greenlandnickname “ sleeper sharks .” however , sharkcould help humans live longer , Campana , Steven Campana , There , Aarhus University , Heinemeier , Unlike , So , Also Read ,
Summary :
The Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) may not have the same fame as the great white shark but it holds an impressive distinction: it is the longest-living vertebrate species known to scienc
