Greenland Sharks Can Live for 400 Years. Scientists Are Using DNA to Unravel Their Longevity Secrets

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Greenland Sharks Can Live for 400 Years. Scientists Are Using DNA to Unravel Their Longevity Secrets

By Trista - July 1, 2025

The Greenland shark is one of nature’s most extraordinary survivors. Dwelling in the frigid depths of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, this mysterious creature boasts a lifespan that defies belief—some individuals are estimated to live up to 400 years. These ancient sharks glide through the ocean’s darkness, carrying secrets from centuries past. Their remarkable longevity makes them living time capsules, sparking curiosity among scientists eager to unlock the biological mysteries that allow such a slow, yet enduring, existence. What makes them live so long? The answer may lie deep within their DNA.

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1. The Oldest Vertebrate on Earth

Greenland Sharks Can Live for 400 Years. Scientists Are Using DNA to Unravel Their Longevity Secrets — Greenland shark (*Somniosus microcephalus*). Source: NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program / Wikipedia

Greenland sharks hold the extraordinary title of being the oldest vertebrates on the planet. With some individuals estimated to be close to 400 years old, they outlive even the most venerable whales and giant tortoises. Their extended lifespans have stunned researchers and prompted a global quest to understand what sets these sharks apart from all other long-lived animals. For more on their age-defying existence, visit National Geographic.

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2. Cold Arctic Waters: Nature’s Preservation Chamber

Residing in the icy depths of the North Atlantic, Greenland sharks benefit from cold, stable environments that slow their metabolism to a crawl. This sluggish pace of life is thought to be a key factor in their incredible longevity, echoing patterns seen in other cold-adapted species. The chilly waters act as nature’s preservation chamber, helping these sharks age at an astonishingly slow rate. Learn more at Science News.

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3. Unusually Slow Growth Rates

Greenland sharks display some of the slowest growth rates in the animal kingdom, adding less than a centimeter in length per year. This exceptionally gradual development is closely tied to their remarkable longevity. Interestingly, a similar relationship exists in other long-lived Arctic giants like bowhead whales, which also grow slowly and live for centuries. Such sluggish growth may be a crucial adaptation for survival in harsh, resource-limited environments. Read further at Smithsonian Magazine.

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4. Radioactive Dating: How Scientists Estimate Ages

To unlock the age of Greenland sharks, scientists turn to radiocarbon dating—specifically analyzing proteins in the sharks’ eye lenses. This innovative method has revealed that these sharks live far longer than previously believed, often spanning several centuries. The discovery has not only rewritten what we know about their lifespans, but also revolutionized how marine biologists estimate age in long-lived ocean species. Explore the science behind this breakthrough at Science.

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5. DNA: Unlocking the Genetic Code of Longevity

Modern science is now delving into the Greenland shark’s genetic blueprint. Researchers are sequencing its genome, hunting for unique genetic markers associated with slow aging and exceptional disease resistance. Unlocking these secrets could transform our understanding of longevity, not just in sharks but across the entire animal kingdom. By studying the Greenland shark’s DNA, scientists hope to discover clues that might one day help humans and other species live longer, healthier lives. Read more at Nature.

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6. Remarkable Disease Resistance

One of the most astonishing aspects of Greenland sharks is their apparent resistance to cancer and age-related illnesses. Unlike many other vertebrates, these sharks rarely exhibit typical signs of aging or disease, hinting at special genetic defenses. Scientists are investigating these adaptations, hoping they could inspire new treatments or preventative measures in human medicine. Learn more about this phenomenon at Live Science.

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7. The Mystery of Their Reproduction

Greenland shark reproduction remains shrouded in mystery. Their extremely slow growth hints that they may not reach sexual maturity until they’re 150 years old or more. Such late maturity is shared by other long-lived marine species and further contributes to their unique life history. Discover more at NOAA Fisheries.

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8. Unique Immune System Genes

Early genetic research reveals that Greenland sharks may possess special immune system genes that help protect them against disease and aging. This fascinating adaptation mirrors findings in other long-lived species, such as bowhead whales. Understanding these genetic defenses could provide new insights into healthy aging for a variety of organisms. Read the full study at Genome Biology and Evolution.

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9. Low Metabolic Rates and Aging

Greenland sharks exemplify how a low metabolic rate can slow the aging process. A sluggish metabolism means less cellular damage over time, a pattern supported by research on other cold-water dwellers. This natural slowdown protects vital systems, helping these sharks remain healthy for centuries. For a deeper dive into this longevity mechanism, visit Scientific American.

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10. DNA Repair Mechanisms

Researchers are exploring the possibility that Greenland sharks have exceptional DNA repair abilities. These mechanisms may help prevent the cellular errors and mutations that typically accumulate with age, offering a vital shield against aging and disease. If confirmed, this adaptation could explain part of their extraordinary longevity and shed light on how some species maintain cellular integrity for centuries. Discover more in Nature Communications.

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11. Comparing Longevity Genes Across Species

Through comparative genomics, scientists are identifying genetic similarities between Greenland sharks and other long-lived animals, such as whales and turtles. By pinpointing shared genes tied to slow aging and robust health, researchers hope to unravel universal secrets of longevity. These cross-species comparisons may eventually highlight the genetic features most crucial for extended lifespans in the animal kingdom. Explore this fascinating field at PNAS.

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12. Adaptations to Extreme Pressure

Dwelling in the deep ocean, Greenland sharks possess cellular adaptations that help them thrive under immense pressure. These unique traits may not only ensure survival at such depths but could also play a role in their slow aging and exceptional longevity. For more insights into these adaptations, visit Deep Sea Research.

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13. Slow Life, Slow Aging

The Greenland shark’s unhurried lifestyle—marked by low activity, slow growth, and rare reproduction—perfectly illustrates a common thread in longevity science. This slow pace minimizes the wear and tear of living, contributing to their exceptional lifespan. Such a “slow life, slow aging” strategy is observed in other long-lived species as well. Learn more at BBC Earth.

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14. Late Sexual Maturity

Unlike most animals, Greenland sharks may not become sexually mature until they are about 150 years old. This incredibly delayed development is a hallmark of their longevity-focused life strategy, allowing them to invest in survival over rapid reproduction. For more on this fascinating adaptation, visit Science News.

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15. Minimal Predation Threats

Greenland sharks enjoy the rare privilege of having very few natural predators. This lack of predation allows them to live relatively undisturbed in the deep ocean for centuries, a luxury not afforded to most marine creatures. In contrast, species exposed to frequent threats from predators often have much shorter lifespans. Read more at Nature.

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16. The Role of Diet and Nutrition

Greenland sharks sustain themselves on a diet of fish and carrion, resulting in relatively low calorie intake. This nutritional pattern is similar to caloric restriction, a factor known to extend lifespan in many species. Such a diet may help reduce metabolic stress, contributing to their remarkable longevity. For more on the connection between diet and lifespan, see National Geographic.

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17. Limited Exposure to Sunlight

Greenland sharks inhabit the deep, dark waters of the Arctic and North Atlantic, where sunlight rarely penetrates. This limited exposure to harmful UV rays helps reduce oxidative stress, a major contributor to aging in other species. Their shadowy world may be yet another secret to their extraordinary lifespan. Learn more at Live Science.

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18. Longevity and Environmental Stability

The stable, cold conditions of the deep Arctic ocean provide an environment with minimal fluctuations and fewer ecological stresses. Such stability is believed to support extended lifespans, a pattern observed in other deep-sea species as well. For Greenland sharks, this gentle backdrop likely plays a key role in their ability to age slowly and thrive for centuries. Explore more at Marine Ecology Progress Series.

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19. Learning from Other Long-Lived Species

Research on bowhead whales and ocean quahogs provides valuable context for understanding the Greenland shark’s longevity. Comparing these ancient creatures highlights both shared biological strategies and unique adaptations for slow aging. Insights gained from these comparisons broaden our understanding of the many ways life can extend across centuries. For a deeper look, visit The Atlantic.

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20. Conservation Status and Longevity

The Greenland shark’s slow maturation makes it particularly vulnerable to threats like overfishing and rapid environmental changes. Their impressive longevity, while remarkable, also means recovery from population declines is painfully slow. Protecting these ancient creatures is both a marvel of nature and a pressing conservation challenge. For details on their status, visit the IUCN Red List.

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Conclusion

The Greenland shark stands as a living testament to the mysteries of longevity and adaptation. Its astonishing lifespan, slow aging, and unique genetic traits captivate scientists and inspire new frontiers in biological and medical research. Unlocking its secrets could reshape our understanding of aging across species—including our own. As researchers continue to probe the depths of its DNA and biology, the Greenland shark reminds us how much there is yet to discover. Protecting and studying these ancient giants is vital for unraveling the enduring secrets of life itself.

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