512-year-old Greenland shark measuring 18 feet in length discovered; is it world's oldest living vertebrate?

An atypical study led by Danish scientist Julius Nielsen has discovered an 18-feet long ancient creature in the North Atlantic Ocean.

According to scientists, the shark is 512-year-old and is believed to be the oldest living vertebrate in the world. Vertebrates comprise all species of animals within the subphylum Vertebrata and is a kind of unique creature with backbones.

A 'Daily Star' report suggests that experts estimated that the shark might have been born in the year 1505. Just about the next year, in 1506 Leonardo da Vinci had completed his iconic painting the Mona Lisa. Now you know how ancient this creature is!

Since Greenland sharks grow just about one cm per year, scientists believe that the 18 feet long shark should be exceptionally old.

Apart from this, the group of researchers are also using radiocarbon dating technology and the eye lenses of 28 different Greenland sharks have gone through a series of detailed examination process.

Also Read: Scientists discover 'Dinosaur-era' frilled shark with 300 teeth off the coast of Portugal

Scientists have managed to gather enough evidences which show that the oldest shark lens, discovered previously, is around 392 years old.

Moreover, the flesh of these Green Land sharks have certain type of chemical, which gives an unearthly feeling of being exceedingly drunk.

For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.