Which Animals Have The Longest LifeSpan? — DailyJag

Mortality plays an important role in biological life. Every animal that is born goes through the cycle of life, reproduction, and death. But, some of them live longer than others, given the right environment. Let’s take a look at some of the longest living animals on Earth.

African Elephant [70 years]

The African Elephant is the largest known land animal and can live for 70 years or more. Recently, a study found that the females of this species are fertile till death!

Galapagos Giant Tortoise [150 years]

Galapagos is the largest among all tortoise species found on Earth. They are capable of living for more than a hundred years, some of them crossing the 150-year mark. Even the 100 years old tortoises of this species and its subspecies classify as young adults.

Bowhead Whale [200 years]

With an average lifespan of 200 years, the bowhead whale is the second largest mammal on Earth. Its long lifespan was discovered when one of them was found alive with a 100-year-old harpoon stuck in it.

Red Sea Urchin [200 years]

These tiny, spiny creatures live in the Pacific Ocean in shallow waters. Found in the West Coast of North America, red sea urchins live for more than 200 years. This makes them almost immortal.

Greenland Shark [500 years]

This interesting species of sharks live in some of the coldest waters. Scientists believe this is the longest living vertebrate in the world. The Greenland Shark can live more than 200 years, and one of these were even found to be more than 500 years old. They mature at 100 years of age and grow roughly 1 cm every year.

Immortal Jellyfish [Immortal]

Scientists consider Turritopsis dohrnii, the immortal jellyfish, as biologically immortal. When it experiences injury, stress, or reproduction, it goes back to the juvenile state. This way, it can defy mortality. But these jellyfish are often eaten alive by bigger fish, so they are practically mortal.

Originally published at dailyjag.com on February 7, 2019.