Undoubtedly, the Greenland shark holds the title among vertebrates, firmly securing its place on the podium.

This remarkable species thrives in the icy extremities of our planet, inhabiting depths that exceed 1,200 meters. Often regarded as a top predator of the deep sea, the Greenland shark is also recognized as a skilled scavenger. These sharks can grow up to an impressive length of 7.5 meters and exceed weights of 1,100 kilograms, although they tend to average around 4 meters in length and approximately 500 kilograms in weight. Notably, females are significantly larger than males.

An astonishing characteristic of the Greenland shark is its extraordinary lifespan. Individuals have been recorded to live up to 392 years, with females reaching sexual maturity at 150 years. Their gestation period lasts an astonishing 8 to 18 years. Over the course of their exceptionally long lives, it is estimated that they can produce up to 200 offspring.

One of the key factors contributing to their longevity lies in their evolutionary adaptations. The Greenland shark has developed a metabolic mechanism that slows down their bodily functions and prioritizes the maintenance of a stable body temperature. By reducing energy expenditure, they minimize cell wear and tear. In the cold depths where they reside, being slow becomes more of an advantage than a drawback, especially when there are no predators above them in the food chain.