Greenland sharks have been a mystery to scientists for years due to their remarkable longevity. These sharks can live for hundreds of years, with some potentially reaching over 500 years old. Researchers have always wondered why these creatures live for so long, and a recent study may have uncovered the secret behind their extended lifespan.
Contrary to previous beliefs that their longevity was linked to their cold environments and minimal movements, the new research presented at the Society of Experimental Biology Conference in Prague suggests that the sharks’ unchanging metabolism could be the key to their long life. Metabolism, the process in which enzymes break down nutrients into energy, typically decreases over time in most animals. This reduction leads to a lower energy production, slower cell repair and regeneration, and a decreased ability to remove cellular waste products that can damage cells further.
To study the metabolism of Greenland sharks, researchers collected tissue samples from the muscle of 23 sharks caught off the south coast of Disko Island in central Greenland. By measuring the activity of five different enzymes in the samples, the team was able to determine the sharks’ metabolic rate and how it responded to various environmental temperatures. Surprisingly, the researchers found that the enzyme activity remained consistent across sharks of different ages, ranging from 60 to 200 years old. This stability in metabolism suggests that Greenland sharks do not degenerate like other animals, which likely contributes to their long lifespans.
Additionally, the study revealed that the sharks’ enzymes had higher activity levels at warmer temperatures, indicating that their metabolism would increase significantly in a warmer environment. With global sea surface temperatures expected to rise due to climate change, this finding raises concerns about how these sharks will adapt to warmer waters. The Arctic, where Greenland sharks reside, has already experienced a temperature increase three times faster than the global average, posing a threat to these long-lived creatures.
Lead researcher Ewan Camplisson from the University of Manchester plans to further investigate hallmarks of aging in Greenland sharks to protect them as their environment changes. By understanding how these sharks’ metabolism contributes to their longevity, researchers can develop strategies to ensure their survival in a warming world.
In conclusion, the discovery of Greenland sharks’ unique metabolism sheds light on their extraordinary lifespan and highlights the importance of studying these creatures to protect them in the face of climate change. By unraveling the secrets of these enigmatic animals, researchers can work towards ensuring their survival for generations to come.
