Which Animals Have the Longest Lifespans? Prepare to Be Surprised

Hydra vulgaris.Photo byWikipedia commons.

With an average global life expectancy of around 70 years—stretching to nearly 80 in some countries—humans have come a long way, thanks to the miracles of modern medicine. But in the animal kingdom, there are creatures whose lifespans far surpass ours, with some even hinting at the possibility of eternal life.

A Snapshot of Human Longevity

Just two centuries ago, the average human life expectancy was a mere 30 years. This dramatic increase highlights the remarkable progress in healthcare, particularly in reducing infant and childhood mortality.

While Jeanne Calment, the longest-living human on record, reached an astounding 122 years, she wouldn't even have reached maturity in the lifetimes of certain marine creatures or ancient reptiles.

The Tortoise

The ocean is home to some of the most long-lived species on Earth, but there are notable exceptions on land as well.

For instance, giant tortoises can live for over a century, with some individuals reaching up to 191 years. The Galápagos tortoise, in particular, has a unique cellular mechanism that allows its cells to self-destruct when stressed by age or disease, potentially resisting cancer and other age-related ailments.

"In the lab, we can stress the cells out in ways that are associated with aging and see how well they resist that distress," explains Vincent Lynch, PhD, from the University at Buffalo. "The Galápagos tortoise cells are really, really good at killing themselves before that stress has a chance to cause diseases like cancer."

Bowhead Whales and Greenland Sharks

Among mammals, the bowhead whale reigns supreme with lifespans that can exceed two centuries. These Arctic giants possess unique genes that bolster DNA repair and confer resistance to cancer and aging.

"Species evolved different 'tricks' to have a longer lifespan," notes João Pedro de Magalhães, PhD, from the University of Liverpool. "By discovering the 'tricks' used by the bowhead we may be able to apply those findings to humans in order to fight age-related diseases."

Yet, even the bowhead whale's impressive longevity pales in comparison to the Greenland shark, the oldest known vertebrate. Radiocarbon dating reveals that these sharks can live between 272 and 392 years. Imagine a creature alive today that swam the oceans back in 1632!

The Marvels of Biological Immortality

Entering the realm of the surreal, we find two species that defy the aging process altogether: the immortal jellyfish (Turritopsis dohrnii) and the Hydra.

Both of these creatures possess mechanisms that allow them to bypass senescence, theoretically enabling them to live indefinitely—unless they fall prey to predators or environmental hazards.

The immortal jellyfish can revert back to its juvenile polyp stage after reproduction or injury, essentially resetting its life cycle. This remarkable ability means it can potentially repeat this cycle endlessly, achieving biological immortality.

The Hydra, a freshwater organism, continuously regenerates its cells through its stem cells. This constant renewal prevents aging, granting the Hydra an infinite lifespan. Its body undergoes a complete regeneration every few weeks, maintaining its youthful state perpetually.