What are the oldest living animals?
The claim for oldest animal often goes to the Arctica Islandica clam - one estimated to be 405 years old was found while British scientists were studying how the marine environment has changed in recent centuries. Unfortunately this Arctica Islandica clam was killed when scientists were counting annual growth rings after cutting through the shell. Marine biologists are uncertain why the particular species of clam is so long-lived.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the current claim for the oldest animal goes to another Arctica clam that lived for 220 years. An unofficial record is held by yet another clam that lived to be 374 years old, which is now in a German museum.
The Adwaitha Tortoise is another long-lived animal. British General Robert Clive had brought one to India when it was 250 years old. It lived 59 more years and became a special attraction in Alipore Zoological Park, Kolkata, India.
The Bowhead Whale is the oldest living mammal. Their lifespan can be as long as 210 years.
Answered by Valli on purpleslinky.com. Anyone interested in live animal kits and educational toys should check out Atomic Elephant Toy.
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