by Most species do not live their maximum possible age due to various reasons, for example, high death rates, constant poaching or hunting, habitat loss, diseases, etc. But many species outlive the humans’ average lifespan of 75 years and they are categorized as longest living species.
Few animals have a longer lifespan than others. Lifespan is the total years than an animal or human being lives. For example, Giant tortoises can live more than 100 years, while Bowhead whales can live up to 200 years.
Therefore, this article is to inform you about 10 longest living species in the world.
1. Immortal Jellyfish
Immortal jellyfish is one of its kind because it can go back to its premature state when exposed to any stress or injury. But, it does not mean that the immortal jellyfish does not die. They are killed by diseases, predators, especially in the polyp stage.
Moreover, they are very tiny in size, almost 5 mm in size. All the above characteristics make it one of the longest living species in the world.
2. Ocean Quahog
Ocean Quahog shows exceptional longevity and might still be the longest living species with longest recorded lifespan of 507 years. They are constantly exploited for commercial purposes.
3. Greenland Shark
Greenland sharks grow at a very slow rate, 1 cm per year, thus, making them one of the longest living species. They attain maturity at the age of 100 years. The oldest Greenland shark lived up to 400 years. These sharks start mating after they are 150 years old. They are the oldest vertebrate in the worldÂ
4. Bowhead Whale
Bowhead whales are the second-largest marine mammal after blue whale with an average lifespan of around 200 years. They have the largest mouth out of all animals. Whalers often hunt bowhead whales.
5. Galapagos Giant Tortoise
Galapagos giant tortoises are one of the longest living species at the recorded age of around. Therefore, tortoises are the oldest living vertebrates on Earth.
The shape and sizes of these giant tortoises vary between populations. On islands with humid atmosphere, the tortoises are larger, and have domed shells and short necks. Whereas, on islands with drylands, they are smaller, with ‘saddleback’ shells and long necks.
6. African Elephant
African Elephants are the largest surviving land animals with an average lifespan of 70 years. Also, some studies have found that female African elephants can stay fertile until their death.
7. Macaw
Macaws have an average lifespan of around 60 to 70 years. Moreover, their breeding age ranges from 30 to 35 years. They are one of the longest living species in birds category.
However, the majority of Macaw population is degrading primarily due to habitat loss and illegal trading.
8. Koi Fish
Koi fish usually live up to 25 to 30 years, but some reports have mentioned its longest age to be around 200 years. The oldest know Koi was ‘Hanako’ that dies at the age of 226 years. Koi is also used in decorative pools and ponds.
9. Red Sea Urchin
Red Sea Urchins are often regarded as almost immortal. They are found in the waters of the Pacific Ocean and North Coast of North America. Earlier, they were thought to live only for 7 to 10 years. However, now they have a lifespan of around 200 years.
10. Antarctic Sponge
The antarctic sponge has an extremely slow growth rate and that’s the reason they are on the list of the longest living species. Moreover, The oldest known Antarctic Sponge lived 1,550 years.
These were various longest living species from around the world. This article also states different reasons that make some species live longer than others.
If you want to know furthermore about the longest living species, check out the following:
1. https://onekindplanet.org/top-10/top-10-worlds-longest-living-animals/
2. https://www.rd.com/culture/oldest-living-animals-in-the-entire-world/
3. https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/11-animals-that-live-the-longest
