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.