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Motherhood at the age of 74 is quite extraordinary, particularly in the avian world. A remarkable Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) named Wisdom has been recognized as the oldest confirmed breeding wild bird globally.
As reported by the Pacific Region of the US Fish & Wildlife Service, Wisdom returned to Midway Atoll, known as Kuaihelani in Hawaiian, in December 2024. Upon her return, she was observed with a new male partner, and wildlife officials noted that she might have laid her 60th egg.
This egg is expected to hatch in February and represents a positive development for bird populations facing challenges, particularly due to outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or bird flu.
“Given the landscape of highly pathogenic avian influenza, it’s thrilling to observe a species continuing to thrive despite facing significant challenges,” states Jennifer M. Mullinax, a research ecologist at the University of Maryland, in an interview with Popular Science.
Wisdom is not unique in her extended reproductive period, as several other wild bird species share this characteristic. Humans often stand out in comparison, as we typically outlive our reproductive capabilities, whereas numerous animal species are biologically programmed for longer reproductive spans.
Who reproduces for 1,000 years? Deep-sea sponges
Deep-sea sponges, resembling alien-like organisms or massive plants, are fascinating members of the animal kingdom. Their lifespans remain a subject of ongoing research, but these resilient sea creatures can endure for millennia.
A deep ecosystem featuring various species, including sponges and crinoids, observed at a depth of 110 meters off the coast of French Guiana. CREDIT: Alexis Rosenfeld/Getty Images.
“As colonial animals, some sponges are believed to possess lifespans that can reach thousands of years,” explains Anne Clark, an evolutionary biologist from Binghamton University. “It’s likely they continue to reproduce throughout that extensive timeframe.”
Sponges reproduce sexually, contributing to the ongoing vitality of their colonies. Some deep-sea sponges can grow as long as 12 feet, demonstrating their ability to thrive and reproduce over time.
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An elusive old shark
Greenland sharks (Somniosus microcephalus), like deep-sea sponges, inhabit cold, dark waters and can live for over 200 years.
“Due to their environment, these species develop at a notably slow pace,” notes Mullinax. “They often take an extended period to reach sexual maturity.”
Greenland sharks reproduce through internal fertilization and give live birth, although their reproduction process is unique; their embryos depend on a yolk sac rather than a placenta. They grow at a gradual rate of less than half an inch annually after maturing.
Delaying implantation–in bears
A young Grizzly bear cub observes its mother foraging in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, on June 14, 2024. CREDIT: Jonathan Newton/Getty Images.
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