What animal is known to have the longest lifespan?
The animal that is known to have the longest lifespan is the Greenland Shark (Somniosus microcephalus). These sharks are known to live for more than 400 years, with the oldest known specimen living for an estimated 512 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 ocean quahog clam, bowhead whale, and giant tortoise.