Random Ancient Animals That Are Older Than Every Single Human On Earth (11 items)

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  (#1) Clam

  Age: 405 Years

  In 2007, researchers analyzing a deceased clam discovered they might have accidentally killed one of the oldest creatures in the world. Ming the clam, as it was eventually named, was one of 200 clams collected from a glacial shelf in Iceland. It died after being frozen and transported to a research laboratory. 

  Scientists realized their mistake after taking a look the clam's shell under a microscope. At first it was announced the ocean quahog died at the ripe old age of 507, but further researched revealed the clam was actually 405. A combination of carbon dating and counting the rings on its shell were used to determine the clam's actual age.
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  (#2) Jellyfish

  • Scyphozoa

  Age: ∞ Years

  This tiny jellyfish is no bigger than your pinky nail, but hidden within that tiny body is the key to immortality. When facing a threat, an adult immortal jellyfish can revert back to its larval stage and start life again. This process, called transdifferentiation, can be triggered by starvation, injuries, and other existential threats. This process can theoretically allow these jellies to live forever, although proving the age of any individual would be difficult.

  Though, some jellyfish are unable to revert back and can die, which obviously ends their immortal lifespan.
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  (#3) Cinachyra antarctica

  • Cinachyra antarctica

  Age: 15,000 Years

  The estimates for this animal's age are astounding but, if true, it would likely be the oldest living organism on the planet. Some scientists believe giant Arctic sponges can live for thousands of years. These sponges, which are in the group Hexactinellida, may owe their longevity to their slow growth rate and the frigid waters of the deep ocean. Some estimates put the age of individuals as high as 23,000-years-old, but most agree the number is likely inaccurate.

  Some researchers challenge all of the higher estimates given for this animals age, as scientists have been unable to definitively age these creatures.
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  (#4) Greenland shark

  • Somniosus microcephalus

  Age: 392 Years

  These impressively long-living sharks are native to the freezing waters of the Arctic, and one female specimen is estimated to be nearly 400. Biologists used carbon dating on proteins found in the lenses of the shark's eyes to age the animal. Their discovery completely changed the way scientists view this animal. Greenland sharks grow at a slow rate, about a centimeter a year.

  It is hypothesized their slow growth may play a role in their incredible longevity. 
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  (#5) Tuatara

  • Sphenodon

  Age: 250 Years

  These reptiles can only be found in New Zealand, where one member of the species managed to sire 11 health babies at the impressive age of 111. Some estimates claim tuataras can live to 250, an impressive number for such a small animal.

  There are only about 50,000 in the wild today, so the fact they remain virile after their centennial birthday is good news for conservationists.
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  (#6) Bowhead Whale

  • Balaena mysticetus

  Age: 211 Years

  The oldest mammals in the world, bowhead whales, can live to be well over 200 years old. Researchers figured this out after finding traditional stone harpoons made by Alaskan natives stuck in the hides of living whales. Researchers ran tests on tissue samples from several bowheads and found four individuals who were well over 100 years old.

  The research also revealed these whales are highly resistant to age-induced diseased, which could be the reason they can live for so long.
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  (#7) Red sea urchin

  • Strongylocentrotus franciscanus

  Age: Over 200 Years

  A study in 2003 into the lifespan of the red sea urchin concluded these amazing invertebrates can live over 200 years without any significant signs of aging. Scientists believe a 100-year-old female can reproduce as easily as an urchin 1/10th of that age. Two different dating methods were employed to determine their age, and both offered the same conclusions.

  Sea urchins were once believed to live no longer than 15 years but, thanks to biochemical and nuclear dating techniques, we now have a more accurate idea of their limitations. 
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  (#8) Radiated Tortoise

  • Astrochelys radiata

  Age: 188 Years

  Tu'i Malila lived to be one of the oldest recorded tortoises of all time, spending most of his life Royal Palace of Tonga. Although the tortoise died in 1965 at the estimated age of 188, Tu'i Malila remains a legend to this day.

  It is believed the tortoise was given as a gift to the royal family of Tonga in 1777, when Captain James Cook visited on a voyage. Radiated tortoises are native to Madagascar and can grow to a moderate 35 pounds.
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  (#9) Aldabra Giant Tortoise

  • Aldabrachelys gigantea

  Age: 182 Years

  These giant tortoises are native to the Seychelles Islands in the Indian ocean. Multiple specimens in captivity have lived over the 150 year mark, with one confirmed to be at least 182. The tortoise, named Jonathan, was brought to the British-owned island St. Helena in 1882 and is alive and well in 2017.

  Another aldabra tortoise estimated to be somewhere between 150 and 250 years old died in March 2006.
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  (#10) Galápagos tortoise

  • Geochelone nigra

  Age: 176 Years

  Harriet was a giant Galápagos tortoise brought to Australia in the mid-1800s and died in 2006, making her one of the oldest tortoises ever recorded. There were rumors she once belonged to Charles Darwin himself, but DNA testing revealed she was actually from an island Darwin never visited.

  The same test also confirmed her age was not exaggerated. She was conclusively determined to be 176 years old and likely the oldest member of her species.
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  (#11) Lobster

  • Nephropidae

  Age: 140 Years

  This amazing lobster caused a bit of controversy when it was discovered in 2008, mostly because it was almost served and eaten. The lobster was captured off the coast of Newfoundland and wound up in City Crab and Seafood, a New York City restaurant specializing in delicious crustaceans. The massive lobster weighed 20 pounds and was only released after members of PETA laid siege to the seafood joint.

  Although the extreme age may not be the most accurate estimation, it is true that lobsters grow their entire lives and age incredibly slowly. So hey, maybe George really was 140.

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