The animal believed to live the longest on Earth is the glass sponge, with some specimens estimated to be more than 10,000 years old.
The Extraordinary Longevity of Glass Sponges
Glass sponges are fascinating aquatic animals found in various deep-water environments, including the East China Sea and the Southern Ocean. Their incredible longevity is attributed to their slow growth rates and the stable, cold conditions of their deep-sea habitats. These sponges, belonging to the class Hexactinellida, are unique for their skeletons made of silica spicules, which give them a glass-like appearance.
- Ancient Ecosystem Builders: These long-lived creatures form extensive reefs that provide crucial habitats for a diverse array of other marine life, acting as foundational species in deep-sea ecosystems.
- Slow Metabolism: The extremely cold temperatures of the deep ocean significantly slow down the metabolic processes of glass sponges. A slower metabolism generally correlates with a longer lifespan, as cellular processes and wear-and-tear occur at a much reduced pace.
- Stable Environment: Deep-sea environments are characterized by their consistent conditions—minimal temperature fluctuations, low light, and stable food availability—which contribute to the sponges' ability to live undisturbed for millennia.
While estimates suggest some individual glass sponges could be over 10,000 years old, they consistently rank as the animal with the most extended lifespan known to science. Their remarkable existence highlights the incredible adaptations possible in the deepest parts of our oceans.
