In 2006, a giant clam of the Arctica islandica species was taken from the ocean floor, becoming a true living relic. The researchers, through the analysis of growth rings on the shell, similar to the circles in tree trunks, revealed that this mollusk had exceeded 400 years of life.
However, a more thorough investigation via radiocarbon dating has since confirmed that the clam was even older, reaching the incredible age of 507 years. This places her around 1499, the presumed year of her birth (this shark, however, has been roaming the Earth since 1600).
Known affectionately as Ming, from the name of the dynasty that reigned in China when it was “born”, this clam is a silent witness to historical eras such as the Reformation and the Enlightenment, and has also “lived” through the era of modern television, including famous series such as “Friends”.
The Arctica islandica species is known for its longevity, often exceeding a century of life, and it is not uncommon for similar specimens to end up in clam chowders around the world, especially in the famous clam chowders of New England.
The secrets of its exceptional longevity? According to experts, the very low oxygen consumption it’s a extremely slow metabolism are among the main factors, in addition to genetic mechanisms that favor excellent cellular maintenance, as indicated by research on the minimal oxidation of nucleic acids with age.
Tragically, Ming’s journey ended in 2006, when the freezing process necessary for transport interrupted its thousand-year life. In this regard: here are the 5 animals that live longer than anyone else.
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