Greenland sharks are among the longest-living vertebrates known, and scientists estimate their ages using special proteins in the eye lens.
Why is this shark so famous?
The Greenland shark lives in cold North Atlantic and Arctic waters and grows very slowly. Because of that slow life history, scientists estimate that some individuals may live for several centuries.
How do scientists estimate the age?
Unlike many fish, sharks do not have normal bony structures that are easy to age. Researchers use radiocarbon dating of proteins in the eye lens, because those proteins form early and can preserve age information.
Why cold water matters
Cold environments can slow metabolism. A slower metabolism, slow growth, and delayed maturity are all connected with long lifespan in animals like the Greenland shark. This makes it a strong example of adaptation to extreme environments.
Concept Map
Fast facts
| Animal | Greenland shark |
| Habitat | Cold North Atlantic and Arctic waters. |
| Age method | Radiocarbon dating of eye-lens proteins. |
| Estimated lifespan | NOAA notes estimates reaching several centuries. |
| Source note | NOAA Greenland shark facts |
Did you know?
Some Greenland sharks may not reach sexual maturity until well over a century old, which makes population recovery very slow.
Watch the short here: open the YouTube explanation.
Key takeaway
The Greenland shark story is a science lesson in cold-water adaptation, slow growth, radiocarbon dating, and why long-lived animals need careful conservation.
