Greenland Sharks’ Eyes Show Remarkable Resilience to Aging
Greenland sharks’ eyes don’t seem to deteriorate with age
WaterFrame/Alamy
Greenland sharks, known for their impressive longevity, have surprised researchers with their eye health. Despite living for hundreds of years, these sharks exhibit no signs of retinal deterioration, a phenomenon that has puzzled scientists given their deep-sea habitat devoid of light.
Recent studies led by Dr. Lily Fogg from the University of Basel in Switzerland involved a detailed analysis of the eyes of eight deceased Greenland sharks (Somniosus microcephalus) along with DNA sequencing.
In comparison to humans and many other species, the Greenland sharks’ eyes have demonstrated a remarkable ability to maintain their structural integrity and function over extended periods of time. This finding challenges previous assumptions that these sharks may have compromised vision due to their extreme environment.
The research sheds light on the unique adaptations of Greenland sharks and underscores the need for further exploration into the factors contributing to their exceptional longevity and sensory capabilities.
