Lifespan.

An interesting feature about wildlife is the extreme and astounding range in averages. I mention this because of the particular ideas that have interested me. Lifespan of creatures is something that can cause wonder and from very short to long, there are some interesting examples.

In an attempt to start my quest, I looked at some of the shortest. The Mayfly which lives for only one day is probably an example that has been used in many a film or literary reference. Not in time order and living for only ten to fifteen days are Daddy Long Legs, but more domestically one of the favourite pets is the dog, which averages ten to thirteen years. Another interesting and associated fact concerns humans. This species has a physiological time limit in the form of the ability to produce new cells and the limit of that is not more than one hundred and twenty five years. The oldest land animal known is a Giant Turtle with an age of one hundred and ninety one years.

The oldest bird is thought to be an Albatross named Wisdom. Wisdom is estimated to be seventy, leads an active life and still produces chicks.

Moving to the sea, there is the mind blowing Bowhead Whale that is estimated to live not more than two hundred and sixty eight years. It is of course the longest living mammal.

Off the shores of Iceland there has been discovered an ocean Quahog Clam named Ming. Using carbon dating of the shell, its age is estimated to be around five hundred and seven years old.

Some corals can live up to five thousand years, making them one of the longest living animals.

Then there is the Immortal Jellyfish which can potentially live forever. It has the ability to revert to a former stage of development and this cycle can be perpetual.

I personally, given the choice, would not like to be as Rip Van Winkle and outlive everybody that I know. I do, though, appreciate and take pleasure in the absolutely intriguing facts of natural wildlife and animal wonder.