Bowhead whales are the longest-living mammals on Earth, often surviving for more than 200 years.

The bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) is a biological marvel that can live for over 211 years, according to research published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In 2007, researchers found a 13-centimeter explosive harpoon fragment embedded in a bowhead whale's shoulder blade. This specific weapon was manufactured in New Bedford, Massachusetts, around 1890, proving the whale had survived an attack over a century earlier.A 2015 study led by Dr. João Pedro de Magalhães at the University of Liverpool sequenced the bowhead whale genome to identify the secrets of their longevity. The team discovered specific mutations in the ERCC1 gene, which is responsible for repairing DNA, and the PCNA gene, which is linked to cell growth and DNA repair. These genetic adaptations allow the whales to fix cellular damage that would normally lead to cancer or aging in other mammals.Their environment also plays a critical role in their lifespan. Living in the frigid waters of the Arctic and sub-Arctic requires a very slow metabolism, which reduces the accumulation of metabolic byproducts that damage cells. Additionally, their massive body size and low core temperature help minimize oxidative stress. By combining superior genetic repair mechanisms with a slow-motion lifestyle, bowhead whales effectively bypass the standard biological limits of mammalian aging.