Sharks may live beyond 400 years. The Greenland shark of the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans is one of the world’s longest-living animals. Greenland sharks, sometimes known as grey or gurry sharks, may reach 24 feet long and weigh 2,200 pounds. They are dark or brown with large, rounded noses. They swim slowly, at 0.9 miles per hour.
Slow growth helps the Greenland shark live longer. Greenland sharks mature at 150 years and expand throughout their lifetimes. Since they develop slowly, females only have a few pups every several years. DNA repair helps the Greenland shark live longer. Shark cells can repair and replace DNA, preventing mutations that cause ageing and illness.
Counting the rings in their eye lenses, similar to counting the rings in a tree, is one method for determining the age of Greenland sharks. Scientists think that a Greenland shark that lived for 392 years was the animal that lived the longest. Greenland sharks are seldom collected or studied in the wild, despite their lengthy lifespans. Overfishing and pollution make them susceptible.
“Kaestur hákarl” is a dish made with Greenland shark flesh. Because raw meat is poisonous, it is marinated for months before consumption. Even though they move slowly and are calm, Greenland sharks are very important to the Arctic and North Atlantic ecosystems. They eat fish, crabs, and marine animals. They also eat corpses. They’re vital to their ecosystem’s equilibrium.
Greenland sharks live up to 7,200 feet deep. Due to its deep-water environment, traditional research techniques and equipment are ineffective. Technology now allows scientists to examine these ancient species in their natural environment.
Recently, the Greenland shark’s lengthy lifetime has drawn attention. To explain the shark’s longevity, scientists examine its genetics, physiology, and metabolism. This research may help us understand ageing and develop novel therapies for age-related disorders.
Even though there are benefits to studying the Greenland shark, any research must be fair and long-lasting. Protecting Greenland sharks from overfishing, pollution, and climate change is vital for future generations. The Greenland shark may live in Arctic seas by producing a blood anti-freeze. The shark’s anti-freeze glycoprotein keeps its blood from freezing in water as cold as -1.8 °C (28.8 °F). In the Arctic, where temperatures can drop below freezing, the shark needs this change to stay alive.
Greenland sharks likewise have a low metabolic rate to live in Arctic waters. Sharks preserve energy with a low metabolic rate. The shark needs this since the Arctic waters are food-poor. Slow growth may explain the Greenland shark’s lifespan. Its modest growth rate has permitted it to survive so long.
Greenland sharks are resilient and long-lived. The shark can thrive in many environments, including the Arctic, and adapt to changes. Its capacity to repair DNA damage may help it avoid mutations that cause ageing and illness. Even though they move slowly and are calm, Greenland sharks are very important to the Arctic and North Atlantic ecosystems. They eat fish, crabs, and marine animals. They also eat corpses. They’re vital to their ecosystem’s equilibrium.
Finally, the Greenland shark is a fascinating animal with many distinct traits. Its lengthy longevity is due to its sluggish growth, low metabolism, and innate anti-freeze. Its durability and flexibility make it crucial to Arctic and North Atlantic ecosystems. This old species should be studied and protected for future generations.
