Humans are not the only creatures on earth with long lifespans. Several animals have similar lifespan as humans!
So, what is it that allows these animals to achieve such longevity? In some cases, it may be due to their slow rate of growth or reproduction.
12 Animals With a Similar Lifespan As Humans
The following is a list of animals with lifespans with the same lifespan as humans. Some even live much longer than humans. Keep reading to learn more!
1. African Elephants
Elephants are one of the longest-lived animals on earth, with a lifespan of 70 years or more. This means that in some cases an elephant may even outlive a human.
For one, elephants have very few predators. They are too big and too strong for most animals to take on, so they don’t have to worry about being killed for food.
Additionally, elephants live in social groups, which help them to protect each other from danger and care for each other when they’re sick or injured.
2. Macaw
Macaws are one of the longest-lived birds in the world. They have an average lifespan of 50 to 60 years.
Macaws are native to Central and South America. Their brightly colored feathers make them a popular choice as pets.
Many pet macaws have been known to outlive their owners. Because of its long lifespan, older macaw owners have to make arrangements for their bird’s care.
3. Longfin Eel
The longfin eel is a species of eel that is found in the freshwaters of New Zealand. It is one of the few species of eel that can live for more than 100 years.
Longfin eels are nocturnal predators that hunt for their food at night. During the day, longfin eels hide in caves or under rocks in the streambed.
4. Giant Tortoise
The lifespan of a giant tortoise can be upwards of 150 years, making them one of the longest-lived animals on the planet. In captivity, they have even been known to reach 200 years old.
So if you got a baby giant tortoise today, it could still be alive and kicking when your great-grandchildren are around.
5. Red Sea Urchin
The red sea urchin is a sea urchin that is a beautiful crimson red color. They are found in the Pacific Ocean from California to Alaska.
Red Sea Urchin lives to be over 30 years old. However, some have been known to reach 100 years old. They stay in rocky shore areas, protected from extreme conditions.
The Red Sea urchin is a true survivor and a vital part of the ecosystem. The urchin feeds on algae, which helps control this plant’s growth.
6. Koi Fish
Koi are a species of freshwater fish native to East Asia. They are popular for people who want to keep fish as pets, as they are known for their long lifespans.
Koi are often kept as pets and can be found in ponds and water gardens. They are a popular subject of Japanese art and can also be seen in Chinese and Korean art.
Koi have been known to live for over 40 years. There are many different color varieties of koi fish, but they are typically orange, white, or black with orange spots.
7. Bowhead Whale
The bowhead whale is a large, dark-colored whale that can live for over 200 years. It is found in the Arctic and sub-Arctic waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans.
The bowhead whale is a baleen whale, meaning it has keratin plates in its mouth instead of teeth. These plates are used to filter small prey from the water.
Scientists believe that the bowhead whale’s long life is due to its slow rate of aging and its ability to resist disease. It’s also huge, with no natural predators other than human activity.
8. Greenland Shark
The Greenland shark is one of the longest-lived animals on earth, with a lifespan of around 200 years. Yet, despite their impressive longevity, little is known about this shark’s natural history.
Scientists believe they may have been born in the Arctic waters off Greenland. They eventually migrate to other areas of the world as they mature.
What we do know about Greenland sharks is that they are gentle giants that pose no threat to humans. However, they are pretty shy and usually swim away if they sense human presence.
9. Ocean Quahog
The ocean quahog is a type of clam found in the waters off the coast of North America. They have a lifespan that matches humans and then some.
These clams can live to be over 500 years old. As a result, the ocean quahog is an important species in the commercial fishing industry.
The ocean quahog is a bivalve mollusk, meaning that it has two shells. These shells are attached to a hinge, and the clam uses its muscular foot to open and close the shell to feed.
10. American Alligator
Did you know that the American alligator shares the same lifespan as humans? That’s right. These massive reptiles can live for up to 80 years in captivity and even longer in the wild.
Alligators are apex predators and play an essential role in their wetland ecosystems. This means they have no natural predators, contributing to their long lifespan.
These prehistoric reptiles were once endangered due to hunting and habitat loss. However, humans are the only threat to alligators.
11. Sturgeon
Another animal with a lifespan similar to humans is the sturgeon. This fish can live to be over 100 years old.
These prehistoric-looking fish are characterized by their long bodies, armored plates, and whisker-like barbels around their mouths. They can be found in rivers and lakes all over the world.
12. Lobster
Lobsters are a type of shellfish and are related to crabs and shrimp. They also have the same lifespan as humans living up to 50 to 70 years old, if they can avoid being caught.
The lobsters caught for food are usually only 5 to 7 years old. They are typically caught using baited traps.
Lobsters are carnivorous and will eat just about anything they can find. Their diet includes fish, crabs, clams, and even other lobsters.
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