Lobsters do not behave like other animals as they grow older. They do not stop growing, and they can continue to reproduce throughout their lives.
According to the Natural History Museum, this is partly because their cells can repair themselves.
An enzyme called telomerase plays an important role. It helps maintain DNA, allowing cells to continue dividing.
In humans, this function is limited, but in lobsters it continues throughout life.
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How old can lobsters get?
It is not easy to determine the age of lobsters. As they grow, they shed their outer shell, meaning they do not leave behind traces such as bones or growth rings.
Researchers have instead examined fat deposits in their eyestalks.
According to the Natural History Museum, studies show that some European lobsters can live for several decades, with some individuals living even longer.
A natural end
Although lobsters may seem almost timeless, they still die. They can be eaten by predators, affected by disease, or caught by humans.
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Their growth is also a challenge. Molting requires a great deal of energy. With age, this process becomes so demanding that some die from exhaustion.
The idea of immortal lobsters is a myth, but they age differently from humans, something that may prove useful in future research.
Sources: Natural History Museum.
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