Many sharks live a century — longer than thought

Radioactivity from nuclear bombs has helped reveal lengthy lifespans, a new analysis says.

We humans go to great lengths to appear younger than we are. Sharks, it seems, do it naturally.

About a decade ago, studies began to hint that many sharks have longer lifespans than previously suspected. Now, a new analysis that pulled together data from more than 50 studies suggests a “widespread” underestimation of lifespans among many sharks, rays, and cartilaginous fish. Read more. (Explore the interactive: “Sizing Up Sharks, the Lords of the Sea.”“Sizing Up Sharks, the Lords of the Sea.”)