The Oldest Plants in the World 1,400 Years Old Found on the Seabed

In this world, there are many species that live surprisingly long lives. Hiu Greenland , for example, they can live up to 400 years, and clams can even reach a lifespan of over 507 years if they are not killed.

Recently, scientists discovered the oldest marine plant in the world, with an incredible age: 1,400 years.

As reported by Unilad, Sunday (16/6/2024), found in the Baltic Sea, this plant is a seagrass clone of the Zostera marina species, or what is known as eelgrass. Scientists used an innovative genetic clock to determine the age of these marine plants.

Seagrass clones produce ramets, individuals within a clone that can separate and live independently. “Vegetative reproduction as an alternative way of reproduction is widespread in the animal, fungal and plant worlds,” explained research leader Dr. Thorsten Reusch, Professor of Marine Ecology at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel, in a statement.

Genetic variations in these ramets can be used to determine their age. Mutations can occur during the growth of the organism’s main body, and these mutations can become permanent and accumulate in the offspring ramets. This clock works by comparing the plant whose age is to be measured with its offspring ramets, and determining their ages based on the differences.

The research team had access to 17-year-old seagrass clones that were kept in the laboratory and used to calibrate genetic clocks for use on wild samples. Differences between the two revealed that the clone was 1,402 years old, making it the oldest known marine plant. Testing of the new method also identified several other clones that were several hundred years old.

Eelgrass can cover large areas; Z. marina is a widespread species found in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Mediterranean. However, the term eelgrass also includes many other species, which may also reach impressive ages.

This discovery shows that seagrasses can live much longer than previously thought, and may play an important role in marine ecosystems for centuries.

It also shows the potential of genetic clocks as a new tool for studying the age of marine organisms.

(wbs)