In which country is the longest-lived turtle in the world? How old are you?

Answer: 175 years old or more than 300 years old. There are conflicting reports.

Report 1: Xinhua News Agency News On November 15, the Brisbane Zoo in Australia held a grand birthday party for a 175-year-old turtle. This female turtle named "Harriet" is the oldest animal in the world. She was brought back to the UK from the Galapagos Islands in western Ecuador when Darwin was on an expedition. He was later brought to Australia. The picture shows "Harriet" and the turtle-shaped cake prepared for her by the zoo.

Report 2: Now, scientists are conducting research on the living habits and physiological functions of turtles, and have initially revealed the answer to the mystery of turtle longevity:

1) According to zoology Observations and studies by experts on turtle breeding and breeding have found that the life span of turtles that live on plants is generally longer than that of turtles that eat meat and are omnivorous. For example, domestic turtles living on tropical islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans feed on grass, wild fruits and cacti. They have a particularly long lifespan and can live up to 300 years.

2) Turtles have unique body structures and physiological functions. The turtle has a hard shell that protects its head, abdomen, limbs and tail from the outside world. At the same time, turtles also have the habit of lethargy. They sleep for about 10 months a year, both in hibernation and aestivation. In this way, their metabolism becomes slower and their energy consumption is very small.

3) According to research by scientists, there is a clock for cell division in human and animal cells, which limits the number of generations of cell reproduction and the number of years it can survive. When human embryonic lung fibroblasts are cultured in vitro for 50 generations, it is difficult to continue further, while turtles can reach 110 generations. This shows that the number of generations of turtle cells is closely related to the life span of the turtle.

4) Zoologists and medical scientists have examined the heart function of tortoises. After the tortoise’s heart was removed from the body, it was able to beat on its own for 24 hours. This shows that the tortoise’s heart function is strong. Plays an important role in the turtle's lifespan.

5) Scientists believe that the longevity of a turtle is also related to its breathing method. Turtles have no intercostal muscles, so when breathing, they must move the lower part of their mouth up and down to draw air into the mouth and force it to the lungs. Also because when it breathes, its head and feet expand and contract, and its lungs open and inhale. This special breathing action is also the reason why the turtle lives a long life.

Scientists also believe that turtles are an excellent animal model for studying human longevity. Therefore, further uncovering the secret of turtle longevity will be of great enlightenment to the study of human health and longevity.