The oldest animal on Earth was 507 years

In 2005, scientists discovered in Iceland bivalve species Arctica islandica, which is considered the oldest animal planet: the rings on the inside of the shell experts have identified , that Ming (clam named after Dynasty Chinese emperors who ruled from 1368 till the year 1644) was born 405 years ago. Recently, scientists have recognized that they had made a mistake in calculating the age of the mollusc long-lived - in fact Min 102 years older.

Admitted miscalculation experts explain the fact that some of the annual rings are too thin, and see them at once failed. Radiocarbon analysis confirms new data: Min lived for more than five centuries, which is not in the least contributed to a very slow metabolism of the animal.

Unfortunately, clam died in 2006, the year before they reach this age know your a few years, but the study of its shell continues: exploring the thickness of annual rings, scientists hope to determine the variations in temperature of the oceans over the past five centuries. In addition, experts are studying the other members of the species Arctica islandica, to find among them such longevity.