Guardian of the Ages Researchers have determined the age of Greenland sharks using radiocarbon dating of proteins extracted from eye tissues. This approach allows for the precise establishment of the moment when structures in the organism’s body formed that do not undergo renewal throughout the creature’s entire life. The resulting data was a shock to the scientific community: some sharks were born back in the 17th century, long before the formation of current states and the development of technology. “Even the most conservative calculations show that the lifespan of the Greenland shark can easily exceed three centuries,” marine biology specialists share their conclusions. The habitat of these sharks is the freezing waters of the North Atlantic and the Arctic, where temperatures regularly drop below zero. It is the low temperature and slow metabolism that serve as the main determinants of their astonishing longevity. How does cold promote increased lifespan? At low temperatures, metabolism slows down, and cellular renewal occurs less frequently, which minimizes the accumulation of cellular damage. In such conditions, every movement requires minimal energy expenditure, every reaction is slowed down, which essentially artificially slows down the biological clock. Ultra-slow Growth and Leisurely Lifestyle The Greenland shark exhibits phenomenally slow growth—about one centimeter per year. This pace means that it only reaches maturity after reaching the age of one hundred. Can it rightly be called a true predator? Only partially. Despite impressive size (up to seven meters in length), the shark does not exhibit aggressive behavior, preferring to feed on carrion or prey that is incapable of active resistance. The absence of stressors, rare activity, and a cold habitat create ideal conditions for a long existence. It has virtually no natural enemies, and each new generation continues its life cycle at almost the same pace as the previous one. The previous misconception among scientists was to consider the shark a dangerous aggressor. This led to a prolonged period of biased observations. The new perspective involves recognizing its unique role in the Arctic ecosystem, where it performs the function of maintaining balance by utilizing organic remains. The Secret of Longevity Lies in the Genes The scientific community is currently focused on studying the genetic code of the Greenland shark. There is a hypothesis that the keys to understanding the mechanisms controlling biological aging might be encoded in its DNA. The genomes of these creatures show extremely low rates of mutation, and the ability to regenerate tissues is preserved for centuries. Is it possible to apply this knowledge to improve human life? A direct answer is not obvious, but the analysis of the genetic characteristics of long-lived marine species helps biologists construct aging models, which contributes to increasing the lifespan of laboratory animals and studying the genes responsible for resistance to DNA damage. Research is being conducted within the framework of international collaborations uniting marine biologists and gerontology specialists. The Greenland shark has become not just a symbol of longevity but also an object of hope in the science exploring aging. Other Fauna Longevity Champions Although the Greenland shark dominates scientific publications, it has serious competitors in terms of lifespan: Arctic bivalves (such as *Arctica islandica*), whose age exceeds 500 years; the jellyfish *Turritopsis dohrnii*, which possesses the ability for complete biological rejuvenation, reverting to the polyp stage; Antarctic sponges, whose age is measured in millennia. Each of these organisms is unique in its way, but it is the Greenland shark that combines biological endurance with complex vertebrate anatomy and the development of a higher nervous system. What if we are underestimating the potential of other deep-sea species? It is likely that organisms exist in the ocean depths whose age surpasses all current established limits. The problem is that great depths remain difficult to access and therefore continue to hold their secrets. A Glimpse Through the Thickness of Time Any encounter with a Greenland shark is a landmark event for science. Its eyes might have witnessed the era of monarchs and great geographical discoveries. Perhaps some of them were already navigating the waters beneath the ice when humans first turned a telescope toward the night sky. These creatures serve as a reminder that in the depths of the ocean, the pace of time is completely different. Life there flows smoothly, bypassing haste and the struggle for survival. For the inhabitants of the aquatic realm, several centuries are not a record, but a natural cycle of existence. “The polar shark is a clear confirmation that longevity is determined not by speed, but by a state of equilibrium,” biologists summarize. Embodiment of the Ocean’s Resilience The Greenland shark has survived many historical periods, retaining its unhurried way of life and the ability to survive in conditions that other species could not withstand. Its long life is due not to brute strength but to absolute harmony with its environment. For humanity, this example serves as a valuable reminder: longevity is not measured by personal achievements or the pace of progress. The main thing is balance, and it is this balance that allows it to exist for four centuries under a multi-meter layer of ice.
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