These mysterious giants living in the cold waters of the North Atlantic can live for centuries, far outlasting any other backboned animal.
The Secret of Longevity:
- ⏳ Slow Metabolism: They grow at an incredibly slow rate of about 1 cm per year and only reach sexual maturity when they are around 150 years old.
- ❄️ Cold Environment: Living in near-freezing water slows down their biological processes and aging significantly.
Carbon Dating Discovery:
- 🔬 Eye Lens Analysis: By using radiocarbon dating on the proteins in their eyes, scientists discovered one female shark that was estimated to be between 272 and 512 years old.