Understand the characteristics that make the life expectancy of these beings so long
In nature some animals have the extraordinary ability to live more than 100 years. This extraordinary longevity can be attributed to a combination of biological and environmental factors specific to each species.
In many cases, they have extremely slow metabolic rates, which results in slower cellular aging, reducing wear and tear over time. Furthermore, some species have developed strategies to cope with environmental stresses, such as the ability to store energy, resist disease and predators.
Next, learn about 5 animals that can live more than 100 years!
1. Bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus)
This marine mammal can live more than 200 years. Their longevity is attributed to their large body mass, slow metabolism, and ability to store energy in layers of fat, allowing them to withstand long periods without food.
It is a species of whale found primarily in Arctic and subarctic waters of the Northern Hemisphere. They are the largest members of the cetacean family and can reach a length of up to 18 meters, weighing up to 75 tons.
They have sturdy, rounded bodies, with broad heads and arches in the upper jaws that are used to filter large quantities of water for small organisms, such as krill and other crustaceans, which are their main food source.
2. Galapagos giant tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra)
These turtles They are known to live more than 100 years. Their herbivorous diet, slow metabolism, and evolutionary adaptations, such as the ability to store water and food for long periods, contribute to their longevity.
They are native to the Galápagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago located off the coast of Ecuador, in the Pacific Ocean. These turtles can reach a weight of 400 kg and a length of over 1.8 meters. Their carapaces are sturdy and dome-shaped and can vary in colors and patterns, depending on the species and age. Coloration may include shades of gray, brown, or black.
3. Greenland shark (Somnious microcephalus)
Those sharks they can live for more than 400 years. Its extremely low metabolic rate and adaptation to cold waters contribute to its longevity. They are found primarily in the cold waters of the Arctic and North Atlantic, including regions near Greenland, Canada, Norway, and Iceland.
They are one of the largest sharks in the world, reaching 7 meters in length, with a robust constitution and a cylindrical shape. Its color varies from dark gray to black and its skin is thick and tough.
Feeding mainly on fish, crustaceans, squid and other marine animals, Greenland sharks are the main predators of the food chain, contributing to the balance of the ecosystems in which they live.
4. Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus)
A reptile endemic to New Zealand, the tuatara can live more than 100 years. Its low metabolic rate and the absence of natural predators contribute to its longevity.
The tuatara’s physical characteristics include a medium-sized body, reaching about 60 centimeters in length, with a tail almost as long as the body. It has scaly skin and spiny ridges along its back.
Additionally, it has a “third eye” at the top of the skull, a light-sensitive structure that is more visible in young people and plays a role in controlling the sleep-wake cycle.
5. Bivalve mollusc (Arctic Arctic)
Some specimens of this mollusk can be more than 500 years old. Their longevity is attributed to their slow growth and extremely low metabolism. It is found in the cold, deep waters of North Atlantic. It lives buried in marine sediments, feeding on organic and planktonic particles.
The physical characteristics of this mollusk include oval and solid shells. Colors can vary in shades of brown, gray, cream to white, in general. Their shells can reach considerable sizes, with some specimens exceeding 12 centimeters in length.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
