12 animals that live longer than any human being (and one of them lives up to 11 thousand years)

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While a 112-year-old Brazilian is recognized as the oldest man in the world, in the animal kingdom, some species go much further, living thousands of years.

The secret lies in biological, environmental and evolutionary adaptations that defy aging and allow survival over centuries.

Check out a list of the 12 longest-living animals in the world:

1. sea ​​sponge
   Sea sponges are record holders when it comes to longevity. Some species, such as Hexactinellida, can live impressively 11,000 years. This record is attributed to its extremely slow metabolism, its habitat in deep, cold waters and the absence of complex tissues that would reduce its energy efficiency.
2. ocean quahog
   The ocean quahog, a bivalve mollusk found in the North Atlantic, can live up to 507 years. In 2006, a specimen nicknamed Ming was discovered at that age. Their extraordinary longevity is due to their slowed metabolism and cold marine environment, which slows down cellular aging processes.
3. Greenland shark
   Greenland sharks are the true centenarians of the ocean, with a life expectancy of up to 500 years. These giants, which inhabit the icy waters of the North Atlantic and the Arctic, grow just one centimeter per year and reach sexual maturity around the age of 150 years. With an extremely slow metabolism and a preference for deep water and scarce oxygen, they are designed to withstand the test of time. Their impressive lifespan is also associated with their lack of natural predators and their ability to thrive in harsh environments. Furthermore, their slow metabolism preserves their bodies over the centuries, making it possible for a modern-day Greenland shark to have “witnessed” the sinking of the Titanic in 1912.
4. Lamellibrachia
   Lamellibrachia, a type of marine worm (polychaete), live up to 250 years. They inhabit deep-sea environments, such as hydrothermal vents and regions of cold seeps in the ocean. Their longevity is supported by symbiosis with bacteria, which help them metabolize sulfur in extreme conditions.
5. bowhead whale
   With an estimated lifespan of more than 200 yearsthe bowhead whale is another fascinating example of biological resistance. Studies have proven their longevity with unusual discoveries: harpoons from the 19th century were found in whales captured in the 2000s. These cetaceans are equipped with genetic mechanisms that delay aging and promote cellular repair, protecting them from injuries and diseases. The cold environments of the Arctic also play a crucial role. Low temperatures reduce metabolic stress and help preserve cellular integrity, contributing to a long and healthy life.
6. Rougheye rockfish
   The rougheye rockfish is a deep-sea fish from the North Pacific with a life expectancy of up to 205 years. Their ability to live so long is explained by a slow metabolism and by living in environments with stable pressure and low temperatures.
7. Red sea urchin
   Found in the northeast Pacific, the red sea urchin can live up to 200 years. Its diet based on algae and sea seeds, combined with a metabolism that slows down in cold waters, allows this creature to thrive for centuries without suffering major wear and tear.
8. Galapagos giant tortoise
   Galapagos giant tortoises are known for their impressive resistance, being able to live up to 175 years. Its longevity is attributed to an extremely slow metabolism, large size and controlled environment of the Galápagos Islands.
9. Geoduck
   The geoduck, a mollusk from the west coast of North America, can live up to 165 years. This species filters nutrients from rich, cold waters, which slows down its growth and cellular wear, prolonging its life.
10. Seychelles giant tortoise
    The Seychelles giant tortoise can reach ages of more than 150 years. The protected environment of captivity helps to further extend its life, while its efficient metabolism makes it an example of longevity among reptiles.
11. lake sturgeon
    Lake sturgeon is a freshwater fish known to live up to 150 years. Its resistance comes from adapting to the stable environment of deep lakes, where it faces few threats and maintains a slow metabolic rate.
12. Tuatara
    While the previous examples are large in size, the tuatara, a reptile native to New Zealand, defies the rule that larger animals live longer. These small reptiles can reach 130 to 140 years of age. Descendants of lineages that coexisted with dinosaurs, tuatara have unique evolutionary adaptations, such as slow metabolism and growth, as well as low exposure to predators. Its isolated habitat is another determining factor. Without constant predation pressures, these creatures have time to grow and reproduce, prolonging their life cycle. Longevity in the animal kingdom is not just a matter of luck or chance; it is the result of evolutionary adaptations that prioritize resilience and energy savings. From sharks that have swum for centuries to reptiles that have defied time, nature continues to impress with its survival strategies.

Why do they live so long?

The longevity of some species in the animal kingdom is the result of a combination of biological, environmental and evolutionary factors. Adapted to survive in extreme conditions and with efficient internal mechanisms, these animals defy aging and live for centuries.

Biological factors play a fundamental role in longevity. Species such as the Greenland shark and the Greenland whale, for example, have an extremely slow metabolism, which slows down cellular aging processes..

The low metabolic rate reduces tissue wear and tear and prolongs life. Additionally, some of these creatures have developed efficient DNA repair mechanisms, as seen in the Greenland shark, which protects their cells from damage over time.

Another important factor is the body size: Larger animals, such as whales, tend to live longer, as their large body mass provides greater physical resistance and protection against predators and disease.

In addition to biological characteristics, environmental adaptations are essential for longevity. Many animals that live longer, such as the Greenland sharkthrive in extreme and challenging environments, such as the cold, deep waters of the Arctic.

Under these conditions, low temperatures slow down metabolic processes, contributing to slower aging. The ability to store energy is also a determining factor. Whales e turtlesfor example, accumulate reserves in fat layers or in their bodies, allowing them to survive for long periods without food, which reduces metabolic stress.

Evolutionary factors also influence the ability to live for long periods. The absence of natural predators is an important example: species like the tuatara live in isolated habitats with few predators, which provides them with more stable and secure lives.

Furthermore, these species tend to have unique reproductive strategies. Animals that reach sexual maturity later, such as sharks and turtles, generally have slower aging, an adaptation that favors survival in environments where the pace of life is slower.