Greenland Sharks: Ancient Survivors of the Deep
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Literary Hub
The Greenland shark, the planet's oldest vertebrate, can live for centuries, with some possibly over 500 years old. These slow-moving, deep-sea creatures are nearly blind and have a unique metabolism that allows them to survive on minimal food. Despite their longevity, little is known about their reproduction and population status, raising concerns about their conservation. Historically overfished for their oil, Greenland sharks are now considered "near threatened." Their enduring presence offers a hopeful perspective on the resilience of life amidst environmental changes.