The Longest-Living Animals on Earth
Many animals can live long and healthy lives, but some have extraordinary lifespans. Animals like bats, parrots, and turtles can often outlive even their human owners. In this article, we’ll explore the longest-living species on Earth and learn what helps them to live so long.
What Factors Lead to Longer Life?
There are many factors that can influence a species’ life expectancy. While some animals live long lives due to their genetics, others benefit from the relative safety of their environments. Food and nutrition availability can also play a role, while a species’ size and metabolism can increase their longevity.
World’s Longest Living Animals
Here’s a look at some of the world’s animals with the longest lifespans:
- Green sea turtle
Green sea turtles can live for over 80 years in the wild, with some reportedly reaching the ripe old age of 100 or more. They are among the longest-living vertebrate animals, and have slow metabolisms which contribute to their longevity.
- Bowhead whale
Bowhead whales are the longest-living mammals on Earth. Recent scientific studies have reported that they can live over 200 years, with some whales estimated to be over 250 years old. Bowhead whales have several adaptations that enable them to live so long, such as large bodies designed to store body fat, and a slower metabolism.
- African elephant
African elephants are one of the longest-living land mammals, with some individuals reaching up to 70 years in age. They have slow metabolisms, economical eating habits, and their thick skin helps to protect them from harsh weather and predators.
- Tuatara
The tuatara is a species of reptile found only in New Zealand. While their maximum lifespan isn’t known for certain, scientists have reported that wild tuataras can live for over 100 years. They have slow metabolisms, and are relatively well-protected from environmental threats.
- Red sea urchin
The red sea urchin is a sea creature with a unique lifespan. They can live for up to 200 years due in part to their slow growth and reproduction cycles, which help them survive in difficult environments with low food availability.
- Parrot
Parrots are some of the longest-living animal species, with some individuals reaching up to 80 years old. Parrots need plenty of food, exercise, and social stimulation to maintain a healthy life, and they can easily reach advanced ages as long as they’re cared for properly.
- Western lowland gorilla
The western lowland gorilla is a species of ape that lives in tropical rainforests in Central Africa. These animals can live up to 50 years in their natural environment, and up to 60 years old in captivity. The key to their long lifespan is their slow metabolism and the health benefits of their diet.
Benefits of Long-Lived Animals
The length of any organism’s lifespan is important for understanding its impact on the environment. Animals with long lifespans can often have a deeper and more sustained influence on their habitats. That includes things like passing on knowledge to younger members of their populations, or imparting positive changes to their local ecosystems.
There are many animals that have long lifespans, from sea turtles and whales to parrots, gorillas, and sea urchins. While their lifespans can be attributed to several factors—such as their genetics and the safety of their environment—long-lived animals can have a sustained impact on the habitats they call home.
