Methuselah's Zoo

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This exploration of long-lived animal species—from thousand-year-old tubeworms to 400-year-old sharks—offers insights into human health and longevity. While opossums rarely live past three years and pet cats can reach up to fifteen, some animals, like whales, can live for two centuries. Human life expectancy averages around eighty-five, with a few surpassing 100 or 110. The question arises: what can we learn from these exceptional creatures? The author, a leading authority on animal longevity, investigates why flying species tend to have longer lifespans than terrestrial ones and why marine animals often outlive their land counterparts. By studying various habitats, he examines the longevity of animals in the air, on land, and in the sea, including insects, birds, mole rats, and dolphins. Despite humans extending their lifespan, we face increasing health issues as we age. In contrast, these long-lived species have effectively navigated environmental challenges and the effects of aging. The text prompts us to consider whether we can emulate their resilience and longevity in our own lives.