Secret of why Greenland sharks live so incredibly long finally revealed

Greenland sharks can live for hundreds of years, but scientists have never understood why. Now, researchers may have finally discovered the secret to the animals' startling longevity: their never-changing metabolism. The surprising finding goes against scientists' previous assumptions and could have major implications for how these animals adapt to climate change.

Greenland sharks (Somniosus microcephalus) have an average lifespan of at least 250 years but can potentially reach over 500 years old, likely making them the longest-living vertebrates in the world.

These sharks dwell in the Arctic and North Atlantic Ocean at depths of up to 8,684 feet (2,647 meters).

The exact reasons for their long lifespans have been hard to pin down. Researchers have long assumed that their longevity was related to their super-cold environments — they can survive in waters as cold as 29 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 1.8 degrees Celsius) — and minimal movements, according to a statement about the latest findings.

But the new research, which was presented at the Society of Experimental Biology Conference held in Prague from July 2 to July 5, suggests the sharks' longevity could be related to their metabolic activity, which does not seem to change over time like it does in other Animals.

"This is important for us as it shows the sharks don't show traditional signs of aging," study lead author Ewan Camplisson, a doctoral student at the University of Manchester, told Live Science in an email.

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