We may have discovered one of the main reasons for the extraordinary lifespan of bowhead whales, which can live for over 200 years.
Life
September 23, 2022
The bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) is the longest living mammal Tony Wu/naturepl.com
Bowhead whales are the longest-lived mammals, with a male estimated to be around 211 years old when he was killed by hunters. Now it has been discovered that they have a gene duplication it appears to slow cell division, allowing whales to live longer – but at the cost of reduced male fertility.
The long lifespan of bowhead whales is likely the result of many genetic changes, but this one can be particularly important, says Vincent Lynch of the …