Buzz
Beneath the shimmering waves of the Gulf of Mexico, in the darkest depths, lie ancient creatures thriving in clusters of dull, tube-like structures resembling stacks of industrial pipes. According to a study published in The Science of Nature, some of these worms may have lifespans exceeding 1000 years.
In the marine world, the deeper the habitat, the slower and more ancient life becomes. Researchers have documented an octopus that spent over four years protecting her eggs, clams dating back to the Ming dynasty, and sharks that predate the founding of the United States. They've also discovered coral communities that have existed for thousands of years.
Earlier research revealed that certain tube worm species can survive up to 250 years. To determine if this longevity applies to other species, such as the Gulf of Mexico's Escarpia laminata, scientists conducted a multi-year growth study. They applied a durable dye called Acid Blue to tag six worm clusters, allowing them to grow undisturbed. After a year, they retrieved all 356 marked tubes and analyzed their growth in the lab.
By analyzing the growth rate of the worms and comparing it to the size of the largest specimens, the researchers were able to estimate the age of the oldest worms with reasonable accuracy.
The results were astonishing. The team's growth simulation indicated that the oldest worms might exceed 9000 years in age. While this seems extraordinary even for resilient tube worms, the scientists proposed a more cautious estimate, suggesting a maximum age of around 1000 years.
The study authors emphasize that a lifespan of a millennium is exceptional and not typical. "While it's possible that large E. laminata over 1000 years old exist in nature, our findings support a more reliable lifespan estimate of at least 250 to 300 years," explained lead researcher Alanna Durkin from Temple University in an interview with New Scientist.
Durkin added, "E. laminata is redefining our understanding of longevity and challenging the limits of what we believed was possible."
She expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of discovering even older organisms in the future.
"It’s entirely plausible that unprecedented lifespans could be uncovered in the deep ocean," she remarks. "With nearly every submersible expedition, we’re uncovering new species and previously unknown habitats."
