A Greenland shark studied in 2016 was estimated to be nearly 400 years old, meaning it may have been born around the time Shakespeare’s era was ending — and, astonishingly, would not have reached sexual maturity for more than another century.
A Greenland shark estimated to be nearly 400 years old highlights the extreme longevity and delayed maturity of the planet's longest-living vertebrate.
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📍 How it ended
A Greenland shark studied in 2016 was estimated to be nearly 400 years old. The animal may have been born near the end of Shakespeare's era and would not reach sexual maturity for over another century.
This species is noted for not reaching sexual maturity until 150 years old.
Epilogue added 8d ago, after coverage quieted.
The brief
Recent coverage focuses on the extreme lifespan of the Greenland shark, with one specimen studied in 2016 estimated to be nearly 400 years old. This suggests the animal may have been born around the end of Shakespeare’s era.
Reports from BBC Wildlife Magazine and IFLScience emphasize the shark's unique biological timeline, noting that it does not reach sexual maturity until 150 years of age and can be pregnant for 18 years. IFLScience further notes that nuclear weapons played a role in revealing these age estimates.
Future attention remains on the emerging science of long-lived animals, as documented by Living on Earth and The Times of India, which identify these creatures as some of the longest-living animals on Earth.
Synthesized by Archynetys from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 24d ago.
Quick answers
How old was the Greenland shark studied in 2016?
It was estimated to be nearly 400 years old.
At what age does a Greenland shark reach sexual maturity?
According to BBC Wildlife Magazine, it does not reach sexual maturity until 150 years old.
How long can a Greenland shark's pregnancy last?
BBC Wildlife Magazine reports that a pregnancy can last 18 years.
Coverage (5)
- "It doesn't reach sexual maturity until 150 years old and can be pregnant for a humongous 18 years." Meet the 10 longest living animals on the planet BBC Wildlife Magazine · 25d ago
- The longest-living animals on Earth: These remarkable creatures can survive for 200 years and some even longer The Times of India · 25d ago
- Note on Emerging Science: Long-Lived Greenland Sharks Living on Earth · 25d ago
- How Nuclear Weapons Helped Reveal That The Longest-living Vertebrate On Earth Can Reach A Whopping 400 Years IFLScience · 25d ago
- A Greenland shark studied in 2016 was estimated to be nearly 400 years old, meaning it may have been born around the time Shakespeare’s era was ending — and, astonishingly, would not have reached sexual maturity for more than another century. Space Daily · 25d ago
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