The Greenland whale (Balaena mysticetus), a majestic species inhabiting the frigid waters of the Arctic, is remarkable not only for its size, with males reaching up to 20 meters, but also for its extraordinary lifespan.
These marine mammals can live for over 200 years, as reported by IFL Science. Their longevity is linked to a slow growth rate, late reproduction (females reach maturity between 18 and 33 years), long intervals between pregnancies, and few natural predators.
Biologist João Pedro de Magalhães explains that these whales have evolved mechanisms to slow down aging and resist diseases. Despite being one of the longest-lived mammals on Earth, the Greenland whale is surpassed in longevity by the ocean quahog clam, which can live for over 500 years.