Which animal holds the record for the longest lifespan?
The animal that holds the record for the longest lifespan is the ocean quahog (Arctica islandica), a type of clam found in the North Atlantic Ocean. These clams are known to live for more than 500 years, with the oldest known specimen living for 507 years. The exact reasons for their long lifespan are not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be related to their slow metabolism, low levels of predation, and ability to repair DNA damage over time. Other animals with exceptionally long lifespans include the Greenland shark, bowhead whale, and giant tortoise.