268-Year-Old Whale? Can You Believe That?
Scientists discovered that many mammals live longer than we think, They say Bowhead whale has an average 268-year life expectancy. This amazing being lives in the Arctic. Before this discovery scientists know those whales live at least 211 years. One among these giants was dated using amino acids extracted in its eye.
With this discovery, scientists say the whale is older than the USA. The whale was born 25 years before the USA. :)
Researchers using a genetic clock to predict these animals' lifespan. They say the whales live about 60 years longer than that.
They have studied 42 genes and using a chemical lab process called methylation (a method used to predict life expectancy).
“Vertebrates range hugely in lifespan, from a pygmy goby, a tropical fish which lives for only eight weeks, to a bowhead whale. It is incredible to think that there is an animal that lives for almost three centuries and could have been alive when Captain Cook first arrived in Australia. The results will also help to work out animals' risk of extinction. This could not be used to predict people's lifespan as it looks at species rather than individuals. It also provides averages only,” Daily Mail quoted study author Dr Benjamin Mayne, of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation in Canberra as saying.
Think for a moment, what do we know about the sea? How much do we know? Do you think whales are the only one who has 268 years lifespan?
The world is full of secrets...
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