List of longest-living organisms: Difference between revisions
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* [[Sea urchins]], [[lobsters]] and some [[clams]] have relatively high rates of mortality in the ocean, but mortality does not appear to increase with age.{{Citation needed|date=May 2011}} |
* [[Sea urchins]], [[lobsters]] and some [[clams]] have relatively high rates of mortality in the ocean, but mortality does not appear to increase with age.{{Citation needed|date=May 2011}} |
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* ''[[Hydras]]'' were observed, in a study published in the journal ''Experimental Gerontology'', for four years without any increase in mortality rate.<ref> |
* ''[[Hydras]]'' were observed, in a study published in the journal ''Experimental Gerontology'', for four years without any increase in mortality rate.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Martínez |first=Daniel E. |year=1998 |url=http://www.biochem.uci.edu/Steele/PDFs/Hydra_senescence_paper.pdf |title=Mortality patterns suggest lack of senescence in Hydra |journal=Experimental Gerontology |volume=33 |issue=3 |pages=217-225 |publisher=Elsevier Science Inc}}</ref> |
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There are stranger examples of species that have been observed to regress to a larval state and regrow into adults multiple times: |
There are stranger examples of species that have been observed to regress to a larval state and regrow into adults multiple times: |
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* The [[Hydrozoa]]n species ''[[Turritopsis nutricula]]'' is capable of cycling from a mature adult stage to an immature [[polyp]] stage and back again. This means that there may be no natural limit to its life span.<ref>{{cite |
* The [[Hydrozoa]]n species ''[[Turritopsis nutricula]]'' is capable of cycling from a mature adult stage to an immature [[polyp]] stage and back again. This means that there may be no natural limit to its life span.<ref name=turritopsis>{{cite book |last=Gilbert |first=Scott F. |year=2010 |url=http://9e.devbio.com/preview_article.php?ch=2&id=6 |title=Developmental Biology |chapter=The Immortal Life Cycle of Turritopsis |edition=9th |publisher=Sinauer Associates |isbn=978-0-878-93384-6}}</ref> However, no single specimen has been observed for any extended period, and it is impossible to estimate the age of a specimen. |
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* The larvae of [[carrion beetle]]s have been made to undergo a degree of "reversed development" when starved, and later to grow back to the previously attained level of maturity. The cycle can be repeated many times.<ref>Beck S.D, Bharadwaj R.K. 1972. Reversed development and cellular aging in an insect. ''Science'' 178:1210-1211</ref> |
* The larvae of [[carrion beetle]]s have been made to undergo a degree of "reversed development" when starved, and later to grow back to the previously attained level of maturity. The cycle can be repeated many times.<ref>Beck S.D, Bharadwaj R.K. (1972). "Reversed development and cellular aging in an insect". ''Science'' '''178''':1210-1211</ref> |
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== Revived into activity after stasis == |
== Revived into activity after stasis == |
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* Various claims have been made about reviving [[Endospore|bacterial spores]] to active metabolism after millions of years. There are claims of spores from [[amber]] being revived after 40 million years, and spores from salt deposits in New Mexico being revived after 240 million years. These claims have been made by credible researchers, but are not universally accepted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.extremescience.com/OldestLivingThing.htm |title=Oldest Living Thing |publisher=Extremescience.com |date= |accessdate=2010-03-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mbe.oxfordjournals.org/content/18/6/1143.full |title=The Permian Bacterium that Isn't |publisher=Oxford Journals |date=2001-02-15 |accessdate=2010-11-16}}</ref> In a related find, a scientist was able to coax 34,000 year old salt-captured bacteria to reproduce and his results were duplicated at a separate independent laboratory facility.<ref> |
* Various claims have been made about reviving [[Endospore|bacterial spores]] to active metabolism after millions of years. There are claims of spores from [[amber]] being revived after 40 million years, and spores from salt deposits in New Mexico being revived after 240 million years. These claims have been made by credible researchers, but are not universally accepted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.extremescience.com/OldestLivingThing.htm |title=Oldest Living Thing |publisher=Extremescience.com |date= |accessdate=2010-03-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mbe.oxfordjournals.org/content/18/6/1143.full |title=The Permian Bacterium that Isn't |publisher=Oxford Journals |date=2001-02-15 |accessdate=2010-11-16}}</ref> In a related find, a scientist was able to coax 34,000 year old salt-captured bacteria to reproduce and his results were duplicated at a separate independent laboratory facility.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://ca.news.yahoo.com/34-000-old-organisms-found-buried-alive-20110113-082207-783.html |title=34,000 Year Old Organisms Found Buried Alive! |publisher=Yahoo News |date=January 13, 2011 |accessdate=January 31, 2013}}</ref> |
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* A seed from the previously extinct [[Judean date palm]] was revived and managed to sprout after nearly 2,000 years.<ref name = "datepalm">Erlanger, Steven. "[http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/12/international/middleeast/12palm.html?ex=1126324800&en=64bd656b2e70d0d2&ei=5070&ei=5065&en=4d341f9ae2e00cbf&ex=1119153600&adxnnl=1&oref=login&partner=MYWAY&pagewanted=print&adxnnlx=1126157404-LOLnphPe2AahZriBTb2iWQ After 2,000 years, a seed from ancient Judea sprouts.]" ''The New York Times''. June 12, 2005.</ref> |
* A seed from the previously extinct [[Judean date palm]] was revived and managed to sprout after nearly 2,000 years.<ref name = "datepalm">Erlanger, Steven. "[http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/12/international/middleeast/12palm.html?ex=1126324800&en=64bd656b2e70d0d2&ei=5070&ei=5065&en=4d341f9ae2e00cbf&ex=1119153600&adxnnl=1&oref=login&partner=MYWAY&pagewanted=print&adxnnlx=1126157404-LOLnphPe2AahZriBTb2iWQ After 2,000 years, a seed from ancient Judea sprouts.]" ''The New York Times''. June 12, 2005.</ref> |
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* ''[[Silene stenophylla]]'' was grown from fruit found in an ancient squirrel's cache. The germinated plants bore viable seeds. The fruit was dated to be 31,800 years old ± 300 years.<ref>{{cite doi|10.1073/pnas.1118386109}}</ref> |
* ''[[Silene stenophylla]]'' was grown from fruit found in an ancient squirrel's cache. The germinated plants bore viable seeds. The fruit was dated to be 31,800 years old ± 300 years.<ref>{{cite doi|10.1073/pnas.1118386109}}</ref> |
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* In 1994 a seed from a sacred lotus (''[[Nelumbo nucifera]]''), dated at roughly 1,300 years old ± 270 years, was successfully germinated.<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.2307/2445863|author=Shen-Miller et al |year=1995|last2=Mudgett|first2=M. B.|last3=William Schopf|first3=J.|last4=Clarke|first4=S.|last5=Berger|first5=R. |title= Exceptional seed longevity and robust growth: Ancient sacred lotus from China |journal= [[American Journal of Botany]] |issue=11 |volume=82 |pages=1367–1380 |jstor= 2445863}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author= Shen-Miller et al |title= Long-living lotus: germination and soil gamma-irradiation of centuries-old fruits, and cultivation, growth, and phenotypic abnormalities of offspring |url= http://www.amjbot.org/cgi/content/abstract/89/2/236 |quote=Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) has been cultivated as a crop in Asia for thousands of years. An ~1300-yr-old lotus fruit, recovered from an originally cultivated but now dry lakebed in northeastern China, is the oldest germinated and directly 14C-dated fruit known. In 1996, we traveled to the dry lake at Xipaozi Village, China, the source of the old viable fruits. |publisher=[[American Journal of Botany]] |year=2002 |accessdate=2010-02-03}}</ref> |
* In 1994, a seed from a sacred lotus (''[[Nelumbo nucifera]]''), dated at roughly 1,300 years old ± 270 years, was successfully germinated.<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.2307/2445863|author=Shen-Miller et al |year=1995|last2=Mudgett|first2=M. B.|last3=William Schopf|first3=J.|last4=Clarke|first4=S.|last5=Berger|first5=R. |title= Exceptional seed longevity and robust growth: Ancient sacred lotus from China |journal= [[American Journal of Botany]] |issue=11 |volume=82 |pages=1367–1380 |jstor= 2445863}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author= Shen-Miller et al |title= Long-living lotus: germination and soil gamma-irradiation of centuries-old fruits, and cultivation, growth, and phenotypic abnormalities of offspring |url= http://www.amjbot.org/cgi/content/abstract/89/2/236 |quote=Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) has been cultivated as a crop in Asia for thousands of years. An ~1300-yr-old lotus fruit, recovered from an originally cultivated but now dry lakebed in northeastern China, is the oldest germinated and directly 14C-dated fruit known. In 1996, we traveled to the dry lake at Xipaozi Village, China, the source of the old viable fruits. |publisher=[[American Journal of Botany]] |year=2002 |accessdate=2010-02-03}}</ref> |
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== Clonal plant colonies == |
== Clonal plant colonies == |
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⚫ | As with all long-lived plant and fungal species, no individual part of a [[clonal colony]] is [[Life#Definitions|alive]] (in the sense of active [[metabolism]]) for more than a very small fraction of the life of the entire clone. Some clonal colonies may be fully connected via their [[root|root systems]], while most are not actually interconnected, but are genetically identical clones which populated an area through [[vegetative reproduction]]. Ages for clonal colonies, often based on current growth rates, are estimates.<ref name="conifers">{{cite web|url=http://www.conifers.org/topics/oldest.htm|title= How Old Is That Tree?|accessdate= 2006-07-25|author= Gymnosperm Database|date= 2 January 2007}}</ref> |
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* [[Pando (tree)|Pando]] is a [[Populus tremuloides|''Populus tremuloides'' (Quaking Aspen)]] tree or clonal colony that has been estimated at 80,000 years old.<ref>[http://www.nps.gov/brca/naturescience/quakingaspen.htm Quaking Aspen] by the [[Bryce Canyon]] [[National Park Service]]</ref> Unlike many other clonal "colonies" the above ground trunks remain connected to each other via a single massive underground root system. Whether it is to be considered a single tree is disputed, as it depends on one's definition of an individual tree. |
* [[Pando (tree)|Pando]] is a [[Populus tremuloides|''Populus tremuloides'' (Quaking Aspen)]] tree or clonal colony that has been estimated at 80,000 years old.<ref>[http://www.nps.gov/brca/naturescience/quakingaspen.htm Quaking Aspen] by the [[Bryce Canyon]] [[National Park Service]]</ref> Unlike many other clonal "colonies" the above ground trunks remain connected to each other via a single massive underground root system. Whether it is to be considered a single tree is disputed, as it depends on one's definition of an individual tree. |
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* The [[Jurupa Oak]] colony is estimated to be at least 13,000 years of age, with other estimates ranging from 5,000 to 30,000 years. |
* The [[Jurupa Oak]] colony is estimated to be at least 13,000 years of age, with other estimates ranging from 5,000 to 30,000 years. |
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* A huge colony of the sea grass ''[[Posidonia oceanica]]'' in the [[Mediterranean Sea]] is estimated to be between 12,000 and 200,000 years old. The maximum age is theoretical, as the region it occupies was above water at some point between 10,000 and 80,000 years ago.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/news/2006/monster_plant_280506_i.htm|title= Ibiza's Monster Marine Plant|accessdate= 2007-05-09|author= Ibiza Spotlight|date= 28 May 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/9066393/Ancient-seagrass-Oldest-living-thing-on-earth-discovered-in-Mediterranean-Sea.html | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | first=Jonathan | last=Pearlman | title='Oldest living thing on earth' discovered | date=2012-02-07}}</ref><ref> |
* A huge colony of the sea grass ''[[Posidonia oceanica]]'' in the [[Mediterranean Sea]] is estimated to be between 12,000 and 200,000 years old. The maximum age is theoretical, as the region it occupies was above water at some point between 10,000 and 80,000 years ago.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/news/2006/monster_plant_280506_i.htm|title= Ibiza's Monster Marine Plant|accessdate= 2007-05-09|author= Ibiza Spotlight|date= 28 May 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/9066393/Ancient-seagrass-Oldest-living-thing-on-earth-discovered-in-Mediterranean-Sea.html | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | first=Jonathan | last=Pearlman | title='Oldest living thing on earth' discovered | date=2012-02-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |authors=Arnaud-Haond, Sophie; Duarte, Carlos M.; Diaz-Almela, Elena; Marbà, Núria; Sintes, Tomas; Serrão, Ester A. |url=http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0030454 |title=Implications of Extreme Life Span in Clonal Organisms: Millenary Clones in Meadows of the Threatened Seagrass ''Posidonia oceanica'' |journal=PLOS ONE |publisher=Public Library of Science |date=February 1, 2012 |volume=7 |issue=2}}</ref> |
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* [[King's Lomatia]] in Tasmania: The sole surviving clonal colony of this species is estimated to be at least 43,600 years old.<ref name="kingslomatia">{{cite web|url=http://www.exn.ca/Stories/1996/10/21/01.asp|title= Tasmanian bush could be oldest living organism|accessdate= 2006-07-25|author= Discovery Channel|date= 21 October 1996}}</ref> |
* [[King's Lomatia]] in Tasmania: The sole surviving clonal colony of this species is estimated to be at least 43,600 years old.<ref name="kingslomatia">{{cite web|url=http://www.exn.ca/Stories/1996/10/21/01.asp|title= Tasmanian bush could be oldest living organism|accessdate= 2006-07-25|author= Discovery Channel|date= 21 October 1996}}</ref> |
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* A [[Gaylussacia brachycera|box huckleberry]] bush in Pennsylvania is thought to be as old as 13,000 years of age.<ref> |
* A [[Gaylussacia brachycera|box huckleberry]] bush in Pennsylvania is thought to be as old as 13,000 years of age.<ref>{{cite news |last=Crable |first=Ad |url=http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/polycomm/pressrel/crable/crable082099.htm |title=Meet the world's oldest - and hardest working - plant |work=Lancaster New Era |date=August 20, 1999 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070226102319/http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/polycomm/pressrel/crable/crable082099.htm |archivedate=February 26, 2007}}</ref> |
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* ''[[Eucalyptus recurva]]'': clones in Australia are claimed to be 13,000 years old.<ref name="eucalyptus">{{cite web|url=http://www.extremescience.com/OldestLivingThing.htm|title= Oldest Living Organism|accessdate= |
* ''[[Eucalyptus recurva]]'': clones in Australia are claimed to be 13,000 years old.<ref name="eucalyptus">{{cite web|url=http://www.extremescience.com/OldestLivingThing.htm|title= Oldest Living Organism: Ancient Bacteria|publisher=Extreme Science|accessdate=January 31, 2013}}</ref> |
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* [[King Clone]] is a creosote bush (''[[Larrea tridentata]]'') in the [[Mojave desert]] estimated at 11,700 years old.<ref name="creosote">{{cite web|url=http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0932544.html|title= Plant Hall of Fame}}</ref> Another creosote bush has been said to be 12,150 years old, but this is as yet unconfirmed. |
* [[King Clone]] is a creosote bush (''[[Larrea tridentata]]'') in the [[Mojave desert]] estimated at 11,700 years old.<ref name="creosote">{{cite web|url=http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0932544.html|title= Plant Hall of Fame |publisher=Fact Monster |accessdate=January 31, 2013}}</ref> Another creosote bush has been said to be 12,150 years old, but this is as yet unconfirmed. |
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* A [[Huon Pine]] colony on [[Mount Read (Tasmania)|Mount Read]], [[Tasmania]] is estimated at 10,000 years old, with individual specimens living to over 3,000 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/veg/pines.html |title=Native Conifers of Tasmania |accessdate=2008-05-06 |publisher=Paks and Wildlife Service, Tasmania }}</ref> |
* A [[Huon Pine]] colony on [[Mount Read (Tasmania)|Mount Read]], [[Tasmania]] is estimated at 10,000 years old, with individual specimens living to over 3,000 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/veg/pines.html |title=Native Conifers of Tasmania |accessdate=2008-05-06 |publisher=Paks and Wildlife Service, Tasmania }}</ref> |
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* [[Old Tjikko]], a [[Norway Spruce]] in [[Sweden]], is a tree on top of roots that have been carbon dated to 9,550 years old. The tree is part of a clonal colony that was established at the end of the last [[ice age]]. Discovered by Professor Leif Kullman, at [[Umeå University]], the tree is located in the county of [[Dalarna]] in Sweden. Old Tjikko is small, only {{convert|5|m|ft}} in height.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.info.umu.se/NYHETER/PressmeddelandeEng.aspx?id=3061 |title=Press release from Umeå University |publisher=Info.umu.se |date= |accessdate=2010-03-17}}</ref><ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080411/sc_nm/sweden_tree_dc;_ylt=AuWoMEubcHYw_w.1mNlwsSyzvtEF Swedish spruce may be world's oldest living tree] |
* [[Old Tjikko]], a [[Norway Spruce]] in [[Sweden]], is a tree on top of roots that have been carbon dated to 9,550 years old. The tree is part of a clonal colony that was established at the end of the last [[ice age]]. Discovered by Professor Leif Kullman, at [[Umeå University]], the tree is located in the county of [[Dalarna]] in Sweden. Old Tjikko is small, only {{convert|5|m|ft}} in height.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.info.umu.se/NYHETER/PressmeddelandeEng.aspx?id=3061 |title=Press release from Umeå University |publisher=Info.umu.se |date= |accessdate=2010-03-17}}</ref><ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080411/sc_nm/sweden_tree_dc;_ylt=AuWoMEubcHYw_w.1mNlwsSyzvtEF "Swedish spruce may be world's oldest living tree"]. Reuters. April 11, 2008.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/04/080414-oldest-tree.html |title=Oldest Living Tree Found in Sweden |publisher=News.nationalgeographic.com |date= |accessdate=2010-03-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idw-online.de/pages/de/news255795|title=World's oldest living tree discovered in Sweden|publisher=Swedish Research Council|date=16 April 2008}}</ref> |
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* An individual of the fungus species ''[[Armillaria solidipes]]'' in the [[Malheur National Forest]] is thought to be between 2,000 and 8,500 years old.<ref>[http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/03/030327074535.htm Humongous Fungus A New Kind Of Individual]. ''Science Daily''. March 25, 2003.</ref><ref>[http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa029&articleID=674C56E2-E7F2-99DF-3250040751706861 Strange but True: The Largest Organism on Earth Is a Fungus]. ''Scientific American''. October 4, 2007.</ref> It is thought to be the world's [[largest organism]] by area, at 2,384 acres (965 hectares). |
* An individual of the fungus species ''[[Armillaria solidipes]]'' in the [[Malheur National Forest]] is thought to be between 2,000 and 8,500 years old.<ref>[http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/03/030327074535.htm "Humongous Fungus A New Kind Of Individual"]. ''Science Daily''. March 25, 2003.</ref><ref>[http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa029&articleID=674C56E2-E7F2-99DF-3250040751706861 Strange but True: The Largest Organism on Earth Is a Fungus]. ''Scientific American''. October 4, 2007.</ref> It is thought to be the world's [[largest organism]] by area, at 2,384 acres (965 hectares). |
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== Individual plant specimens == |
== Individual plant specimens == |
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* [[Fortingall Yew]], an ancient [[Taxaceae|yew]] (''Taxus baccata'') in the churchyard of the village of Fortingall in [[Perthshire]], [[Scotland]]; one of the oldest known individual trees in [[Europe]]. Various estimates have put its age at between 2000 and 5000 years, although these days it is believed to be at the lower end of this range. |
* [[Fortingall Yew]], an ancient [[Taxaceae|yew]] (''Taxus baccata'') in the churchyard of the village of Fortingall in [[Perthshire]], [[Scotland]]; one of the oldest known individual trees in [[Europe]]. Various estimates have put its age at between 2000 and 5000 years, although these days it is believed to be at the lower end of this range. |
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* ''[[Fitzroya|Fitzroya cupressoides]]'' is the species with the second oldest verified age, a specimen in [[Chile]] being measured by ring count as 3,622 years old.<ref name="conifers"/> |
* ''[[Fitzroya|Fitzroya cupressoides]]'' is the species with the second oldest verified age, a specimen in [[Chile]] being measured by ring count as 3,622 years old.<ref name="conifers"/> |
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* A [[Sacred Fig]] (''Ficus religiosa''), the [[Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi]] in [[Anuradhapura]], [[Sri Lanka]] is 2,300 years old (planted in 288 BC<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2011/07/03/spe01.asp|title= ''Caring for the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi ''|accessdate= 2012-01-24|author= Shanika SRIYANANDA|date= 2011-07-03}}</ref> |
* A [[Sacred Fig]] (''Ficus religiosa''), the [[Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi]] in [[Anuradhapura]], [[Sri Lanka]] is 2,300 years old (planted in 288 BC)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2011/07/03/spe01.asp|title= ''Caring for the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi ''|accessdate= 2012-01-24|author= Shanika SRIYANANDA|date= 2011-07-03}}</ref>. It is the oldest known [[flowering plant]] and the oldest known living to date human-planted tree in the world.<ref>[http://www.srimahabodhi.org/mahavamsa.htm The Coming of the Bodhi Tree to Lanka]</ref> |
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* A specimen of ''[[Lagarostrobos|Lagarostrobos franklinii]]'' in [[Tasmania]] is thought to be about 2000 years old.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://waynesword.palomar.edu/ww0601.htm#oldest |title=Botanical Record Breakers: Amazing Trivia About Plants |publisher=Waynesword.palomar.edu |date= |accessdate=2010-03-17}}</ref> |
* A specimen of ''[[Lagarostrobos|Lagarostrobos franklinii]]'' in [[Tasmania]] is thought to be about 2000 years old.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://waynesword.palomar.edu/ww0601.htm#oldest |title=Botanical Record Breakers: Amazing Trivia About Plants |publisher=Waynesword.palomar.edu |date= |accessdate=2010-03-17}}</ref> |
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* Numerous [[ |
* Numerous [[olive]] trees are purported to be 2000 years old or older. An olive tree in [[Ano Vouves]], [[Crete]], claiming such longevity, has been confirmed on the basis of [[Dendrochronology|tree ring analysis]].<ref>Rackham, O.; Moody, J. (1996). ''The Making of the Cretan Landscape''. Cited in: Riley, F. R. (2002). "Olive Oil Production on Bronze Age Crete: Nutritional properties, Processing methods, and Storage life of Minoan olive oil". ''Oxford Journal of Archaeology'' '''21''' (1): 63–75.</ref> |
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* [[Jōmon Sugi]], the [[cryptomeria]] naturally grown in [[Yakushima|Yakushima Island]], [[Kagoshima Prefecture|Kagoshima]], [[Japan]], more than 2,170 to 7,200 years old. |
* [[Jōmon Sugi]], the [[cryptomeria]] naturally grown in [[Yakushima|Yakushima Island]], [[Kagoshima Prefecture|Kagoshima]], [[Japan]], more than 2,170 to 7,200 years old. |
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* [[Great sugi of Kayano]], the [[cryptomeria]] deemed planted by humans in [[Kaga, Ishikawa|Kaga]], [[Ishikawa Prefecture|Ishikawa]], [[Japan]], estimated age of 2,300 years in 1928. |
* [[Great sugi of Kayano]], the [[cryptomeria]] deemed planted by humans in [[Kaga, Ishikawa|Kaga]], [[Ishikawa Prefecture|Ishikawa]], [[Japan]], estimated age of 2,300 years in 1928. |
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* ''[[Welwitschia]]'' is a [[monotypic]] genus of [[gymnosperm]] plant, composed solely of the distinct ''[[Welwitschia mirabilis]]''. It is the only genus of the family ''[[Welwitschiaceae]]'', in the order ''[[Welwitschiales]]'', in the division ''[[Gnetophyta]]''. The plant is considered a living fossil. [[Radiocarbon dating]] has confirmed that there are many individuals which have lived longer than 1000 years, and some are suspected to be older than 2000 years. |
* ''[[Welwitschia]]'' is a [[monotypic]] genus of [[gymnosperm]] plant, composed solely of the distinct ''[[Welwitschia mirabilis]]''. It is the only genus of the family ''[[Welwitschiaceae]]'', in the order ''[[Welwitschiales]]'', in the division ''[[Gnetophyta]]''. The plant is considered a living fossil. [[Radiocarbon dating]] has confirmed that there are many individuals which have lived longer than 1000 years, and some are suspected to be older than 2000 years. |
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* [[Yareta]] is a tiny [[flowering plant]] in the family [[Apiaceae]] native to [[South America]], occurring in the [[Puna grassland]]s of the [[Andes]] in [[Peru]], [[Bolivia]], the north of [[Chile]] and the west of [[Argentina]] at between |
* [[Yareta]] is a tiny [[flowering plant]] in the family [[Apiaceae]] native to [[South America]], occurring in the [[Puna grassland]]s of the [[Andes]] in [[Peru]], [[Bolivia]], the north of [[Chile]] and the west of [[Argentina]] at between 3,200 and 4,500 metres altitude. Some yaretas could be up to 3,000 years old.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Ralph |first=Carol Pearson |date=March 1978 |url=http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2388107?uid=3738032&uid=2&uid=4&sid=21101735608727 |title=Observations on Azorella compacta (Umbelliferae), a Tropical Andean Cushion Plant |journal=Biotropica |volume=10 |issue=1 |pages=62-67}} {{subscription required}}</ref> |
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== Animals == |
== Animals == |
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* ''[[Turritopsis nutricula]]'', the immortal jellyfish, is known to be the longest |
* ''[[Turritopsis nutricula]]'', the immortal jellyfish, is known to be the longest-living creature which could live on forever without dying of old age.<ref name=turritopsis/> Most may be aged a few hundred years, as they still can be killed. |
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*Some species of sponges in the ocean near Antarctica are thought to be 10,000 years old.<ref>{{cite web|title=Television review: 'Frozen Planet' on Discovery Channel|author=Robert Lloyd|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=March 16, 2012|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2012/mar/16/entertainment/la-et-0317-frozen-planet-20120315}}</ref> |
*Some species of sponges in the ocean near Antarctica are thought to be 10,000 years old.<ref>{{cite web|title=Television review: 'Frozen Planet' on Discovery Channel|author=Robert Lloyd|publisher=Los Angeles Times|date=March 16, 2012|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2012/mar/16/entertainment/la-et-0317-frozen-planet-20120315}}</ref> |
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*The [[Greenland Shark]] can have up to an estimated 400-year lifespan. |
*The [[Greenland Shark]] can have up to an estimated 400-year lifespan. |
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* Specimens of the [[black coral]] genus Leiopathes are among the oldest continuously living organisms on the planet: around 4,265 years old.<ref name="Graczyk2009">{{cite web |last=Graczyk |first=Michael |title=Scientists ID living coral as 4,265 years old |url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6341406.html |publisher=The Associated Press |date=2009-03-25}}</ref> |
* Specimens of the [[black coral]] genus Leiopathes are among the oldest continuously living organisms on the planet: around 4,265 years old.<ref name="Graczyk2009">{{cite web |last=Graczyk |first=Michael |title=Scientists ID living coral as 4,265 years old |url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6341406.html |publisher=The Associated Press |date=2009-03-25}}</ref> |
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* The giant barrel sponge ''[[Xestospongia muta]]'' is one of the longest-lived animals, with the largest specimens in the Caribbean estimated to be in excess of 2,300 years.<ref>McMurray, S. E. |
* The giant barrel sponge ''[[Xestospongia muta]]'' is one of the longest-lived animals, with the largest specimens in the Caribbean estimated to be in excess of 2,300 years.<ref>McMurray, S. E.; Blum, J. E.; Pawlik, J. R. (2008). "Redwood of the reef : growth and age of the giant barrel sponge Xestospongia muta in the Florida Keys". ''Marine Biology'' '''155''': 159-171. {{doi|10.1007/s00227-008-1014-z}}.</ref> |
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* The black coral ''[[Antipatharia]]'' in the Gulf of Mexico may live more than 2000 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2745 |title=2,000 Year-old Deep-sea Black Corals call Gulf of Mexico Home |date= |
* The black coral ''[[Antipatharia]]'' in the Gulf of Mexico may live more than 2000 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2745 |title=2,000 Year-old Deep-sea Black Corals call Gulf of Mexico Home |publisher=U.S. Geological Survey |date=March 30, 2011 |accessdate=January 31, 2013}}</ref> |
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* The Antarctic sponge ''[[Cinachyra antarctica]]'' has an extremely slow growth rate in the low temperatures of the [[Southern Ocean]]. One specimen has been estimated to be 1,550 years old.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://genomics.senescence.info/species/entry.php?species=Cinachyra_antarctica |title=AnAge entry for Cinachyra antarctica |publisher=Genomics.senescence.info |date= |accessdate=2010-03-17}}</ref> |
* The Antarctic sponge ''[[Cinachyra antarctica]]'' has an extremely slow growth rate in the low temperatures of the [[Southern Ocean]]. One specimen has been estimated to be 1,550 years old.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://genomics.senescence.info/species/entry.php?species=Cinachyra_antarctica |title=AnAge entry for Cinachyra antarctica |publisher=Genomics.senescence.info |date= |accessdate=2010-03-17}}</ref> |
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* A specimen of the Icelandic Cyprine ''[[Arctica islandica]]'' (also known as an ocean quahog), a [[mollusk]], was found to have lived 507 years .<ref>{{cite journal|last=Butler|first=Paul|coauthors=AD Wanamaker, JD Scourse, CA Richardson, DJ Reynolds|title=Variability of marine climate on the North Icelandic Shelf in a 1357-year proxy archive based on growth increments in the bivalve Arctica islandica.|journal=Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology|year=2012|doi=10.1016/j.palaeo.2012.01.016}}</ref> Another specimen had a recorded life span of 374 years.<ref name="icelandiccyprine">{{cite journal| author = Schöne et al.| year = 2005| title = Climate records from a bivalved Methuselah| journal = Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology| issue = 228| pages = 130–148| doi = 10.1016/j.palaeo.2005.03.049| volume = 228| last2 = Fiebig| first2 = J| last3 = Pfeiffer| first3 = M| last4 = Gleb| first4 = R| last5 = Hickson| first5 = J| last6 = Johnson| first6 = A| last7 = Dreyer| first7 = W| last8 = Oschmann| first8 = W}}</ref> |
* A specimen of the Icelandic Cyprine ''[[Arctica islandica]]'' (also known as an ocean quahog), a [[mollusk]], was found to have lived 507 years .<ref>{{cite journal|last=Butler|first=Paul|coauthors=AD Wanamaker, JD Scourse, CA Richardson, DJ Reynolds|title=Variability of marine climate on the North Icelandic Shelf in a 1357-year proxy archive based on growth increments in the bivalve Arctica islandica.|journal=Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology|year=2012|doi=10.1016/j.palaeo.2012.01.016}}</ref> Another specimen had a recorded life span of 374 years.<ref name="icelandiccyprine">{{cite journal| author = Schöne et al.| year = 2005| title = Climate records from a bivalved Methuselah| journal = Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology| issue = 228| pages = 130–148| doi = 10.1016/j.palaeo.2005.03.049| volume = 228| last2 = Fiebig| first2 = J| last3 = Pfeiffer| first3 = M| last4 = Gleb| first4 = R| last5 = Hickson| first5 = J| last6 = Johnson| first6 = A| last7 = Dreyer| first7 = W| last8 = Oschmann| first8 = W}}</ref> |
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* Some [[koi fish]] have reportedly lived more than 200 years, the oldest being [[Hanako (Koi Fish)|Hanako]], who died at an age of 226 years on July 7, 1977.<ref> |
* Some [[koi fish]] have reportedly lived more than 200 years, the oldest being [[Hanako (Koi Fish)|Hanako]], who died at an age of 226 years on July 7, 1977.<ref>{{cite web |last=Koshihara |first=Komei |url=http://www.vcnet.com/koi_net/hanako.html |title=The Story of Hanako |publisher=NHK |date=1966 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070808151558/http://www.vcnet.com/koi_net/hanako.html |archivedate=August 8, 2007}}</ref> |
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* [[Orange roughy]], also known as Deep Sea Perch, lives as long as 149 or 156 years. |
* [[Orange roughy]], also known as Deep Sea Perch, lives as long as 149 or 156 years. |
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* Some confirmed sources estimated [[Bowhead Whale]]s to have lived at least to 211 years of age, making them the oldest [[mammal]]s.<ref name="bowheadwhale">{{cite web|url=http://www.gi.alaska.edu/ScienceForum/ASF15/1529.html|title= Bowhead Whales May Be the World's Oldest Mammals|accessdate= 2006-07-25|author= Alaska Science Forum|date= 15 February 2001}}</ref> |
* Some confirmed sources estimated [[Bowhead Whale]]s to have lived at least to 211 years of age, making them the oldest [[mammal]]s.<ref name="bowheadwhale">{{cite web|url=http://www.gi.alaska.edu/ScienceForum/ASF15/1529.html|title= Bowhead Whales May Be the World's Oldest Mammals|accessdate= 2006-07-25|author= Alaska Science Forum|date= 15 February 2001}}</ref> |
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| url = http://www.helsinki.fi/science/raakku/memoranda-2008.pdf |
| url = http://www.helsinki.fi/science/raakku/memoranda-2008.pdf |
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}}</ref> and gained general acceptance. |
}}</ref> and gained general acceptance. |
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* Specimens of the Red Sea Urchin, ''[[Strongylocentrotus franciscanus]]'', have been found to be over 200 years old.<ref name="Ebert 2003">Ebert, TA |
* Specimens of the Red Sea Urchin, ''[[Strongylocentrotus franciscanus]]'', have been found to be over 200 years old.<ref name="Ebert 2003">Ebert, TA; Southon, JR (2003). "Red sea urchins can live over 100 years: confirmation with A-bomb 14carbon — Strongylocentrotus franciscanus". ''Fishery Bulletin'' '''101'''(4): 915-922.</ref> |
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* [[Adwaita]], a [[Aldabra Giant Tortoise]] died at the age of 255 in March 2006. |
* [[Adwaita]], a [[Aldabra Giant Tortoise]] died at the age of 255 in March 2006. |
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* [[Tu'i Malila]], a [[Radiated tortoise]], died at an age of 188 years in May 1965, the oldest verified vertebrate.<ref>[http://www.seedmagazine.com/news/2006/07/week_in_science_623_629.php?page=2 Seed: Week In Science: 6/23 - 6/29]{{dead link|date=March 2010}}</ref> |
* [[Tu'i Malila]], a [[Radiated tortoise]], died at an age of 188 years in May 1965, the oldest verified vertebrate.<ref>[http://www.seedmagazine.com/news/2006/07/week_in_science_623_629.php?page=2 Seed: Week In Science: 6/23 - 6/29]{{dead link|date=March 2010}}</ref> |
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* [[Harriet (turtle)|Harriet]], a [[Galápagos tortoise]], died at the age of 175 years in June 2006.<ref name="tortoise">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/5109342.stm|publisher=BBC News|title=Harriet the Tortoise dies at 175|date=23 June 2006}}</ref> |
* [[Harriet (turtle)|Harriet]], a [[Galápagos tortoise]], died at the age of 175 years in June 2006.<ref name="tortoise">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/5109342.stm|publisher=BBC News|title=Harriet the Tortoise dies at 175|date=23 June 2006}}</ref> |
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* The deep-sea hydrocarbon seep tubeworm ''[[Lamellibrachia luymesi]]'' ([[Annelida]], [[Polychaeta]]) lives for more than 170 years.<ref>Sharmishtha, D. |
* The deep-sea hydrocarbon seep tubeworm ''[[Lamellibrachia luymesi]]'' ([[Annelida]], [[Polychaeta]]) lives for more than 170 years.<ref>Sharmishtha, D.; Miles, L. L.; Barnabei, M.S.; Fisher, C. R. (2006). [http://jeb.biologists.org/cgi/content/abstract/209/19/3795 "The hydrocarbon seep tubeworm Lamellibrachia luymesi primarily eliminates sulfate and hydrogen ions across its roots to conserve energy and ensure sulfide supply"]. ''Journal of Experimental Biology'' '''209''': 3795-3805.</ref> |
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* [[Timothy (tortoise)|Timothy]], a [[Greek Tortoise]], died at an age of 160 years in April 2004.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/devon/3607053.stm "Timmy the tortoise dies aged 160"] BBC News</ref> |
* [[Timothy (tortoise)|Timothy]], a [[Greek Tortoise]], died at an age of 160 years in April 2004.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/devon/3607053.stm "Timmy the tortoise dies aged 160"]. BBC News. April 7, 2004. Retrieved January 31, 2013.</ref> |
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* [[Geoduck]], a species of saltwater [[clam]] native to the [[Puget Sound]], have been known to live more than 160 years.<ref> |
* [[Geoduck]], a species of saltwater [[clam]] native to the [[Puget Sound]], have been known to live more than 160 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bcseafoodonline.com/files/geoduck.html |title=Geoduck |publisher=BC Seafood Online |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110917134822/http://www.bcseafoodonline.com/files/geoduck.html |archivedate=September 17, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=MacDonald |first=Colin |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-108778220.html |title=Cashing in on geoducks – once chowder fodder, the giant clam can fetch up to $24 a pop |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=August 21, 2004}} {{subscription required}}</ref> |
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* [[George the lobster]] was estimated to be approximately 140 years old by PETA in January 2009.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/01/10/maine.lobster.liberated/ "George the giant lobster liberated from restaurant"] |
* [[George the lobster]] was estimated to be approximately 140 years old by PETA in January 2009.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/01/10/maine.lobster.liberated/ "George the giant lobster liberated from restaurant"]. [[CNN]]. January 10, 2009. Retrieved January 31, 2013.</ref> |
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* In 2012, a [[sturgeon]] was caught in a [[Wisconsin]] river that was estimated to be 125 years old.<ref> |
* In 2012, a [[sturgeon]] was caught in a [[Wisconsin]] river that was estimated to be 125 years old.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.startribune.com/local/147038605.html |title=Wisconsin DNR catches and tags record 125-year-old sturgeon that's bigger than linebacker |work=Star Tribune |date=April 12, 2012 |accessdate=January 31, 2013}}</ref> |
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* [[Jeanne Calment]] was the [[List of the oldest people|oldest human]] to have verifiable birth records. She was 122 years old at time of death in 1997. |
* [[Jeanne Calment]] was the [[List of the oldest people|oldest human]] to have verifiable birth records. She was 122 years old at time of death in 1997. |
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* [[Tardigrade]]s, capable of [[cryptobiosis]], have been shown to survive nearly 120 years in a dry state.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Guidetti, R. & Jönsson, K.I.|year=2002|title=Long-term anhydrobiotic survival in semi-terrestrial micrometazoans|journal=[[Journal of Zoology]]|volume=257|pages=181–187|doi=10.1017/S095283690200078X|issue=2}}</ref> |
* [[Tardigrade]]s, capable of [[cryptobiosis]], have been shown to survive nearly 120 years in a dry state.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Guidetti, R. & Jönsson, K.I.|year=2002|title=Long-term anhydrobiotic survival in semi-terrestrial micrometazoans|journal=[[Journal of Zoology]]|volume=257|pages=181–187|doi=10.1017/S095283690200078X|issue=2}}</ref> |
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* The [[tuatara]] can live well above 100 years. Henry, a [[tuatara]] at the Southland Museum in New Zealand, mated for the first time at the age of 111 years in 2009 with an 80-year-old female and fathered 11 baby tuataras.<ref>http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/discoblog/2009/01/26/111-year-old-reptile-becomes-a-dad-after-tumor-surgery/</ref> |
* The [[tuatara]] can live well above 100 years. Henry, a [[tuatara]] at the Southland Museum in New Zealand, mated for the first time at the age of 111 years in 2009 with an 80-year-old female and fathered 11 baby tuataras.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bai |first=Nina |url=http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/discoblog/2009/01/26/111-year-old-reptile-becomes-a-dad-after-tumor-surgery/ |title=111-Year-Old Reptile Becomes a Dad After Tumor Surgery |work=Discover |date=January 26, 2009 |accessdate=January 31, 2013}}</ref> |
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* A female [[Blue-and-yellow Macaw]] named [[Charlie (parrot)|Charlie]] was reportedly hatched in 1899, which would make her 111 years old, as of 2010. Her age has not been independently confirmed and the claim may not be reliable. She is claimed to have formerly belonged to [[Winston Churchill]], but Churchill's daughter denies the claim.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3410893.stm "Winston's obscene parrot lives on"] |
* A female [[Blue-and-yellow Macaw]] named [[Charlie (parrot)|Charlie]] was reportedly hatched in 1899, which would make her 111 years old, as of 2010. Her age has not been independently confirmed and the claim may not be reliable. She is claimed to have formerly belonged to [[Winston Churchill]], but Churchill's daughter denies the claim.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3410893.stm "Winston's obscene parrot lives on"]. BBC News. January 19, 2004. Retrieved January 31, 2013.</ref> |
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* An [[orca]] of the "Southern Resident Community" identified as J-2 or Granny is estimated to be the oldest orca in the entire community and is 101 years old, as of 2012. |
* An [[orca]] of the "Southern Resident Community" identified as J-2 or Granny is estimated to be the oldest orca in the entire community and is 101 years old, as of 2012. |
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* [[Lin Wang]], an [[Asian elephant]] was the oldest [[elephant]] in the [[Taipei Zoo]]. He was born in 1917 and died in February 2003 at age 86, surpassing the previous record of 84. Normally elephants live up to 50, while their [[maximum lifespan]] is generally estimated at 70. |
* [[Lin Wang]], an [[Asian elephant]] was the oldest [[elephant]] in the [[Taipei Zoo]]. He was born in 1917 and died in February 2003 at age 86, surpassing the previous record of 84. Normally elephants live up to 50, while their [[maximum lifespan]] is generally estimated at 70. |
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* Thaao, the [[Andean condor]] died at the age of 80.<ref>[http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Beardsley-Zoo-s-Andean-condor-world-s-oldest-337131.php "Beardsley Zoo's Andean condor, world's oldest, dead at 80"] |
* Thaao, the [[Andean condor]] died at the age of 80.<ref>Burgeson, John (January 26, 2010). [http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Beardsley-Zoo-s-Andean-condor-world-s-oldest-337131.php "Beardsley Zoo's Andean condor, world's oldest, dead at 80"]. ''The Connecticut Post''. Retrieved January 31, 2013.</ref> |
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* [[Cookie (cockatoo)|Cookie]], a [[Major Mitchell's Cockatoo]] resident at Brookfield Zoo, Illinois, USA is the oldest member of his species in captivity, at a verified age of 79, as of June 2012. |
* [[Cookie (cockatoo)|Cookie]], a [[Major Mitchell's Cockatoo]] resident at Brookfield Zoo, Illinois, USA is the oldest member of his species in captivity, at a verified age of 79, as of June 2012. |
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* The oldest living [[horse]] on record was a [[miniature horse]] affected by [[miniature_horse#Dwarfism|dwarfism]] named Angel who lived with the Horse Protection Society of [[North Carolina]] and lived to be over 50.<ref name="facts">[http://www.guidehorse.org/faq_horses.htm "Miniature Horse Facts"]</ref> |
* The oldest living [[horse]] on record was a [[miniature horse]] affected by [[miniature_horse#Dwarfism|dwarfism]] named Angel who lived with the Horse Protection Society of [[North Carolina]] and lived to be over 50.<ref name="facts">[http://www.guidehorse.org/faq_horses.htm "Miniature Horse Facts"]. The Guide Horse Foundation. Retrieved January 31, 2013.</ref> |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
Revision as of 16:30, 31 January 2013
This is a list of the oldest individual lifeforms. This is usually defined as:
- Having a longer life span than any other known individual (such as the Methuselah tree)
- Longevity record-holders (such as Jeanne Calment or Li Ching-Yuen)
Biological immortality
If the mortality rate of a species does not increase after maturity, the species does not age and is said to be biologically immortal. There are many examples of plants and animals for which the mortality rate actually decreases with age, for all or part of the life cycle.[1] Coral colonies and aspen trees are the clearest examples.[citation needed] Some large trees may routinely grow in size for decades, while their mortality rates decrease.[citation needed] Some sources say that sharks, too, grow larger in size while their mortality rate decreases, for long periods of their lives.[citation needed]
If the mortality rate remains constant, the rate determines the mean lifespan. The lifespan can be long or short, even though the species technically "does not age". There are many examples of species for which scientists have not detected an increase in mortality rate after maturity.[citation needed] An alternative explanation for this phenomenon may be that the mean lifespan of the species is so long that the modern scientific study of longevity and senescence has not yet matured enough itself to measure longevity in the species.
- Sanicula is an herb, native to Europe and the Americas, which lives about 70 years in the wild. Old saniculae do not die at a higher rate than younger ones.[citation needed]
- Sea urchins, lobsters and some clams have relatively high rates of mortality in the ocean, but mortality does not appear to increase with age.[citation needed]
- Hydras were observed, in a study published in the journal Experimental Gerontology, for four years without any increase in mortality rate.[2]
There are stranger examples of species that have been observed to regress to a larval state and regrow into adults multiple times:
- The Hydrozoan species Turritopsis nutricula is capable of cycling from a mature adult stage to an immature polyp stage and back again. This means that there may be no natural limit to its life span.[3] However, no single specimen has been observed for any extended period, and it is impossible to estimate the age of a specimen.
- The larvae of carrion beetles have been made to undergo a degree of "reversed development" when starved, and later to grow back to the previously attained level of maturity. The cycle can be repeated many times.[4]
Revived into activity after stasis
- Various claims have been made about reviving bacterial spores to active metabolism after millions of years. There are claims of spores from amber being revived after 40 million years, and spores from salt deposits in New Mexico being revived after 240 million years. These claims have been made by credible researchers, but are not universally accepted.[5][6] In a related find, a scientist was able to coax 34,000 year old salt-captured bacteria to reproduce and his results were duplicated at a separate independent laboratory facility.[7]
- A seed from the previously extinct Judean date palm was revived and managed to sprout after nearly 2,000 years.[8]
- Silene stenophylla was grown from fruit found in an ancient squirrel's cache. The germinated plants bore viable seeds. The fruit was dated to be 31,800 years old ± 300 years.[9]
- In 1994, a seed from a sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), dated at roughly 1,300 years old ± 270 years, was successfully germinated.[10][11]
Clonal plant colonies
As with all long-lived plant and fungal species, no individual part of a clonal colony is alive (in the sense of active metabolism) for more than a very small fraction of the life of the entire clone. Some clonal colonies may be fully connected via their root systems, while most are not actually interconnected, but are genetically identical clones which populated an area through vegetative reproduction. Ages for clonal colonies, often based on current growth rates, are estimates.[12]
- Pando is a Populus tremuloides (Quaking Aspen) tree or clonal colony that has been estimated at 80,000 years old.[13] Unlike many other clonal "colonies" the above ground trunks remain connected to each other via a single massive underground root system. Whether it is to be considered a single tree is disputed, as it depends on one's definition of an individual tree.
- The Jurupa Oak colony is estimated to be at least 13,000 years of age, with other estimates ranging from 5,000 to 30,000 years.
- A huge colony of the sea grass Posidonia oceanica in the Mediterranean Sea is estimated to be between 12,000 and 200,000 years old. The maximum age is theoretical, as the region it occupies was above water at some point between 10,000 and 80,000 years ago.[14][15][16]
- King's Lomatia in Tasmania: The sole surviving clonal colony of this species is estimated to be at least 43,600 years old.[17]
- A box huckleberry bush in Pennsylvania is thought to be as old as 13,000 years of age.[18]
- Eucalyptus recurva: clones in Australia are claimed to be 13,000 years old.[19]
- King Clone is a creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) in the Mojave desert estimated at 11,700 years old.[20] Another creosote bush has been said to be 12,150 years old, but this is as yet unconfirmed.
- A Huon Pine colony on Mount Read, Tasmania is estimated at 10,000 years old, with individual specimens living to over 3,000 years.[21]
- Old Tjikko, a Norway Spruce in Sweden, is a tree on top of roots that have been carbon dated to 9,550 years old. The tree is part of a clonal colony that was established at the end of the last ice age. Discovered by Professor Leif Kullman, at Umeå University, the tree is located in the county of Dalarna in Sweden. Old Tjikko is small, only 5 metres (16 ft) in height.[22][23][24][25]
- An individual of the fungus species Armillaria solidipes in the Malheur National Forest is thought to be between 2,000 and 8,500 years old.[26][27] It is thought to be the world's largest organism by area, at 2,384 acres (965 hectares).
Individual plant specimens
- A Great Basin Bristlecone Pine (Pinus longaeva) is measured by ring count to be 5073–5074 years old.[28] This is the oldest known tree in North America, and the oldest known living individual tree in the world.
- Llangernyw Yew, the oldest individual tree in Europe and second or third oldest individual tree in the world. Believed to be aged between 4,000 years and 5,000 years old, this ancient yew (Taxus baccata) is in the churchyard of the village of Llangernyw in North Wales.
- Fortingall Yew, an ancient yew (Taxus baccata) in the churchyard of the village of Fortingall in Perthshire, Scotland; one of the oldest known individual trees in Europe. Various estimates have put its age at between 2000 and 5000 years, although these days it is believed to be at the lower end of this range.
- Fitzroya cupressoides is the species with the second oldest verified age, a specimen in Chile being measured by ring count as 3,622 years old.[12]
- A Sacred Fig (Ficus religiosa), the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka is 2,300 years old (planted in 288 BC)[29]. It is the oldest known flowering plant and the oldest known living to date human-planted tree in the world.[30]
- A specimen of Lagarostrobos franklinii in Tasmania is thought to be about 2000 years old.[31]
- Numerous olive trees are purported to be 2000 years old or older. An olive tree in Ano Vouves, Crete, claiming such longevity, has been confirmed on the basis of tree ring analysis.[32]
- Jōmon Sugi, the cryptomeria naturally grown in Yakushima Island, Kagoshima, Japan, more than 2,170 to 7,200 years old.
- Great sugi of Kayano, the cryptomeria deemed planted by humans in Kaga, Ishikawa, Japan, estimated age of 2,300 years in 1928.
- Welwitschia is a monotypic genus of gymnosperm plant, composed solely of the distinct Welwitschia mirabilis. It is the only genus of the family Welwitschiaceae, in the order Welwitschiales, in the division Gnetophyta. The plant is considered a living fossil. Radiocarbon dating has confirmed that there are many individuals which have lived longer than 1000 years, and some are suspected to be older than 2000 years.
- Yareta is a tiny flowering plant in the family Apiaceae native to South America, occurring in the Puna grasslands of the Andes in Peru, Bolivia, the north of Chile and the west of Argentina at between 3,200 and 4,500 metres altitude. Some yaretas could be up to 3,000 years old.[33]
Animals
- Turritopsis nutricula, the immortal jellyfish, is known to be the longest-living creature which could live on forever without dying of old age.[3] Most may be aged a few hundred years, as they still can be killed.
- Some species of sponges in the ocean near Antarctica are thought to be 10,000 years old.[34]
- The Greenland Shark can have up to an estimated 400-year lifespan.
- Specimens of the black coral genus Leiopathes are among the oldest continuously living organisms on the planet: around 4,265 years old.[35]
- The giant barrel sponge Xestospongia muta is one of the longest-lived animals, with the largest specimens in the Caribbean estimated to be in excess of 2,300 years.[36]
- The black coral Antipatharia in the Gulf of Mexico may live more than 2000 years.[37]
- The Antarctic sponge Cinachyra antarctica has an extremely slow growth rate in the low temperatures of the Southern Ocean. One specimen has been estimated to be 1,550 years old.[38]
- A specimen of the Icelandic Cyprine Arctica islandica (also known as an ocean quahog), a mollusk, was found to have lived 507 years .[39] Another specimen had a recorded life span of 374 years.[40]
- Some koi fish have reportedly lived more than 200 years, the oldest being Hanako, who died at an age of 226 years on July 7, 1977.[41]
- Orange roughy, also known as Deep Sea Perch, lives as long as 149 or 156 years.
- Some confirmed sources estimated Bowhead Whales to have lived at least to 211 years of age, making them the oldest mammals.[42]
- In recent times, the Russian malacologist Valeriy Zyuganov received worldwide reputation after he determined the maximum lifespan (210–250 years) in the freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera).[43][44] The data of V.V. Zyuganov have been confirmed by Finnish malacologists[45] and gained general acceptance.
- Specimens of the Red Sea Urchin, Strongylocentrotus franciscanus, have been found to be over 200 years old.[46]
- Adwaita, a Aldabra Giant Tortoise died at the age of 255 in March 2006.
- Tu'i Malila, a Radiated tortoise, died at an age of 188 years in May 1965, the oldest verified vertebrate.[47]
- Harriet, a Galápagos tortoise, died at the age of 175 years in June 2006.[48]
- The deep-sea hydrocarbon seep tubeworm Lamellibrachia luymesi (Annelida, Polychaeta) lives for more than 170 years.[49]
- Timothy, a Greek Tortoise, died at an age of 160 years in April 2004.[50]
- Geoduck, a species of saltwater clam native to the Puget Sound, have been known to live more than 160 years.[51][52]
- George the lobster was estimated to be approximately 140 years old by PETA in January 2009.[53]
- In 2012, a sturgeon was caught in a Wisconsin river that was estimated to be 125 years old.[54]
- Jeanne Calment was the oldest human to have verifiable birth records. She was 122 years old at time of death in 1997.
- Tardigrades, capable of cryptobiosis, have been shown to survive nearly 120 years in a dry state.[55]
- The tuatara can live well above 100 years. Henry, a tuatara at the Southland Museum in New Zealand, mated for the first time at the age of 111 years in 2009 with an 80-year-old female and fathered 11 baby tuataras.[56]
- A female Blue-and-yellow Macaw named Charlie was reportedly hatched in 1899, which would make her 111 years old, as of 2010. Her age has not been independently confirmed and the claim may not be reliable. She is claimed to have formerly belonged to Winston Churchill, but Churchill's daughter denies the claim.[57]
- An orca of the "Southern Resident Community" identified as J-2 or Granny is estimated to be the oldest orca in the entire community and is 101 years old, as of 2012.
- Lin Wang, an Asian elephant was the oldest elephant in the Taipei Zoo. He was born in 1917 and died in February 2003 at age 86, surpassing the previous record of 84. Normally elephants live up to 50, while their maximum lifespan is generally estimated at 70.
- Thaao, the Andean condor died at the age of 80.[58]
- Cookie, a Major Mitchell's Cockatoo resident at Brookfield Zoo, Illinois, USA is the oldest member of his species in captivity, at a verified age of 79, as of June 2012.
- The oldest living horse on record was a miniature horse affected by dwarfism named Angel who lived with the Horse Protection Society of North Carolina and lived to be over 50.[59]
See also
- Immortality and Biological immortality
- Longevity
- Largest organism
- List of oldest dogs
- List of oldest trees
- Lists of organisms by population
- Maximum life span
- Oldest people and List of oldest people
- Regeneration
References
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Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) has been cultivated as a crop in Asia for thousands of years. An ~1300-yr-old lotus fruit, recovered from an originally cultivated but now dry lakebed in northeastern China, is the oldest germinated and directly 14C-dated fruit known. In 1996, we traveled to the dry lake at Xipaozi Village, China, the source of the old viable fruits.
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