We may have discovered one of the key reasons for the extraordinary lifespans of bowhead whales, which can live for more than 200 years
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 …