500-Year-Old 'Immortal' Sharks: The Ocean’s Oldest Mystery Unveiled
Discover the ancient secrets of the Greenland shark, a creature that has outlived centuries of history.
Uncover the science behind the 500-year lifespan of the mysterious Greenland shark and what it could mean for human longevity.
Dive into the chilling mystery of the world's oldest sharks and their connection to the icy depths of the Arctic.
Learn how researchers are decoding the enigma of the Greenland shark's extraordinary life span and its implications for our future
Location: London
WooGlobe Ref : WGA540133
For licensing and to use this video, please email licensing@wooglobe.com
Uncover the science behind the 500-year lifespan of the mysterious Greenland shark and what it could mean for human longevity.
Dive into the chilling mystery of the world's oldest sharks and their connection to the icy depths of the Arctic.
Learn how researchers are decoding the enigma of the Greenland shark's extraordinary life span and its implications for our future
Location: London
WooGlobe Ref : WGA540133
For licensing and to use this video, please email licensing@wooglobe.com
Transcript
00:00Imagine a creature that's been swimming through the icy depths of the ocean since the time of the Pilgrims,
00:04surviving wars, pandemics, and even the Industrial Revolution.
00:08Sounds like science fiction, right?
00:11Well, meet the Greenland shark, a real-life immortal that has stunned scientists with its 500-year lifespan.
00:18But how do these ancient giants defy time?
00:21Let's dive into the shocking new twist that has researchers scratching their heads.
00:25The Greenland shark is a mysterious ancient giant of the ocean.
00:29Growing up to 23 feet in length and weighing over a ton, these sharks can live for centuries.
00:35Recently, scientists discovered one that has been alive since 1624.
00:40This shark has witnessed some of the most significant events in human history,
00:43all while swimming in the frigid waters of the Atlantic and Arctic oceans.
00:47For years, researchers have tried to uncover the secret behind the Greenland shark's extraordinary lifespan.
00:53Many believed it was due to their slow metabolism and cold-water habitat.
00:57These sharks live in temperatures as low as minus 1.8 degrees Celsius,
01:02which might slow down their biological processes, allowing them to age much more slowly than other animals.
01:07But here's the twist while the extreme cold and slow metabolism likely play a role.
01:12They don't fully explain the shark's incredible longevity.
01:15Other Arctic species with similar heart rates and living conditions only have lifespans of 20 to 40 years.
01:22There's still something unique about the Greenland shark that science has yet to fully understand.
01:26This discovery is significant not just for understanding the sharks themselves,
01:30but also for what it could mean for human health.
01:33By studying the Greenland shark, scientists hope to gain insights into our own cardiovascular health and longevity.
01:40Lead researcher Ewan Campelson emphasizes the importance of protecting these ancient creatures,
01:45as they might hold the key to unlocking secrets of aging.