We may have discovered one of the key reasons for the extraordinary lifespans of bowhead whales, which can live for more than 200 years
Life
23 September 2022
Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) are the longest-lived mammal known Tony Wu/naturepl.com
Bowhead whales are the longest-lived mammals known, with one male estimated to have been about 211 years old when it was killed by hunters. Now it has been found they have a gene duplication that appears to slow the division of cells, allowing the whales to live longer – but at the cost of reduced male fertility.
The long life of bowheads is probably a result of many genetic changes, but this one may be especially important, says Vincent Lynch of the …