Why do Some Animals Live Longer Than Others?

Various factors contribute to the differences in lifespan among animals. Some of the main factors include:

  • Genetics: An animal’s genetic makeup plays a major role in determining its lifespan. Some species have genes that protect against the effects of ageing, while others are more susceptible to age-related decline.
  • Size: Smaller animals tend to live longer than larger ones because they have a slower metabolism and lower rates of cell division, which leads to less cellular damage over time.
  • Habitat and Environment: The environment and habitat in which an animal lives can impact its lifespan. For example, animals that live in harsh environments with limited resources may have shorter lifespans due to the stress and physical demands placed on their bodies.
  • Lifestyle: An animal’s lifestyle and behavior also play a role in determining its lifespan. Animals that lead sedentary lifestyles or have high levels of activity may have shorter or longer lifespans, respectively.
  • Reproductive strategy: Some species have a slower reproductive strategy and invest more resources into individual offspring, which can result in a longer lifespan.

The longevity of an animal is the result of a complex interplay between genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors.

Top 10 Longest Living Animals on Earth (Updated 2024)

Longest Living Animals on Earth: While humans may have a maximum life span limit of 130 years, this is much less compared to some animals, which can live for centuries. Interestingly, some animals can even slow down or reverse the ageing process. But this is also a fact that most animals rarely approach their maximum possible age due to reasons like diseases, infant mortality, predator threat, habitat destruction, poaching, competition from other animals for food, climate change, and many other factors. 

The study of the longest-living animals, also known as the study of longevity, has been of great interest to scientists and researchers for many years. With advances in technology and a deeper understanding of biology, researchers have been able to identify and study species that have exceptional lifespans. These species have been found in various habitats and environments, from the depths of the oceans to the tops of mountains.

In this article, we will look at the top 10 longest-living animals and explore their unique characteristics.

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Summing Up

Though these animals have long lifespans, they are not immune to human activities. Today, anthropogenic activities, leading to over-exploitation of species, habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, are negatively impacting the lives of animals and have shortened their life spans....

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