5. Ocean Quahog Clams
Arctica islandica, commonly known as the ocean quahog clam, is renowned for its exceptional longevity. One specimen, nicknamed “Ming,” was determined to be 507 years old at the time of its capture in 2006. (cbsnews.com) This remarkable lifespan is attributed to the clam’s slow growth rate and low metabolic activity, which contribute to its negligible senescence. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) Such longevity offers valuable insights into aging processes and potential applications in aging research.