The Legend That Lives in the Cold Sea’s Depths
At depths of hundreds of meters below the North Atlantic, where light barely penetrates, the Greenland shark quietly persists as a timeless guardian. With its slow and solemn demeanor, this shark is akin to an ancient soul of the ocean.
A 2016 study published in Science revealed that the Greenland shark can live up to an astonishing 392 ± 120 years. This means the oldest individual may have been born in the early 16th century—a time before the concepts of industrialization and the internet. “There is no other vertebrate on the planet that lives longer,” said Dr. Julius Nielsen, a Danish marine biologist and lead author of the study, in an interview with BBC Earth.
An Enigmatic Longevity Linked to Slow Growth?
One of the key factors contributing to the Greenland shark’s status as one of the longest-living species on Earth is its extraordinarily slow growth rate. On average, they only grow about 1 cm per year, and it takes nearly 150 years for them to reach sexual maturity. While this may seem counterintuitive in the harsh natural world, it is an optimal survival strategy in the harsh, resource-limited environment of the cold depths.
According to National Geographic, the Greenland shark’s body functions at an extremely low energy level, with a slow heart rate and limited activity, all of which contribute to their extended lifespan. They are the true hermits of the sea.
A Glimpse into Their “Immortal” Lives in the Icy Depths
Greenland sharks typically dwell at depths of 200–600 meters, where water temperatures remain below 4°C. They move slowly and languidly, but this is a strategic choice to conserve energy in the light and food-deprived environment.
Their diet is varied, ranging from small fish and jellyfish to the remains of larger marine animals. Remarkably, there have been instances of individuals found with polar bear remains in their stomachs, indicating impressive hunting (or scavenging) capabilities despite their sluggish appearance.
An Ancient Species with Modern-Day Lessons
In today’s fast-paced world, where everything demands speed, the story of the Greenland shark serves as a gentle reminder that slowing down, persevering, and adapting can also be a path to overcoming challenges. Without fanfare or ostentation, this species has endured through centuries of climate change, wars, and planetary shifts.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan, a marine biology expert at the Nha Trang Oceanography Institute, shared her insights with Dân Trí: “The Greenland shark demonstrates that nature still holds secrets beyond our understanding. They offer us a chance to reflect on our own lives and think differently about time.”
A Creature of Many Mysteries Yet to Be Unraveled
Despite extensive research, the Greenland shark remains an enigma. How do they withstand centuries of bacterial and cellular aging? Why doesn’t the harsh environment cause them to succumb like many other species? Several theories are being explored, ranging from unique gene structures and natural antioxidants to symbiotic microorganisms within their bodies.
According to an analysis by Vietnamnet, scientists are currently employing gene-decoding technology to identify differences between the Greenland shark and other shark species. The findings could pave the way for research on human aging and potentially lead to medical breakthroughs.
A Conundrum of Nature: The Enduring Shark
Should you ever find yourself adrift in the frigid waters of the Arctic, contemplate that somewhere in the profound darkness, an ancient shark swims by, carrying within it memories of a world unknown to humanity.
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