Ming (clam)
Encyclopedia
Ming is the nickname
given to a specimen of an ocean quahog clam, Arctica islandica
, family Veneridae
, and is the oldest living animal ever discovered.
Judging by the annual growth rings on the clam's shell, Ming was believed to be in the region of 405–410 years old when the clam was caught off the coast of Iceland
in October 2007. The claim was made by researchers at Bangor University
, including Dr. Alan Wanamaker. The researchers are uncertain how long the clam, which died during the assessment process, might have lived had it been left on the ocean floor. The clam was named after the Ming Dynasty
due to its age. Since its discovery, the general public has taken a strong interest in the clam, perhaps because of its appearance on a Snapple
bottle cap fact.
Scientists are hoping the discovery of Ming will help aid in researching the aging process, and how some animals 'escape' old age.
Nickname
A nickname is "a usually familiar or humorous but sometimes pointed or cruel name given to a person or place, as a supposedly appropriate replacement for or addition to the proper name.", or a name similar in origin and pronunciation from the original name....
given to a specimen of an ocean quahog clam, Arctica islandica
Arctica islandica
Arctica islandica, commonly known as the ocean quahog, is an edible marine bivalve mollusk native to the North Atlantic ocean, which is harvested commercially...
, family Veneridae
Veneridae
The Veneridae or venerids, also known as the Venus clams, are a very large family of minute to large, saltwater clams, marine bivalve molluscs. There are over 500 living species of venerid bivalves, most of which are edible, and many of which are exploited as a food source.Many of the most...
, and is the oldest living animal ever discovered.
Judging by the annual growth rings on the clam's shell, Ming was believed to be in the region of 405–410 years old when the clam was caught off the coast of Iceland
Iceland
Iceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
in October 2007. The claim was made by researchers at Bangor University
Bangor University
Bangor University is a university based in the city of Bangor in the county of Gwynedd in North Wales-United Kingdom.It was officially known for most of its history as the University College of North Wales...
, including Dr. Alan Wanamaker. The researchers are uncertain how long the clam, which died during the assessment process, might have lived had it been left on the ocean floor. The clam was named after the Ming Dynasty
Ming Dynasty
The Ming Dynasty, also Empire of the Great Ming, was the ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644, following the collapse of the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty. The Ming, "one of the greatest eras of orderly government and social stability in human history", was the last dynasty in China ruled by ethnic...
due to its age. Since its discovery, the general public has taken a strong interest in the clam, perhaps because of its appearance on a Snapple
Snapple
Snapple is a brand of tea and juice drinks which is owned by Dr Pepper Snapple Group and based in Plano, Texas. The brand was founded in 1972. The brand achieved some notoriety due to various pop-culture references including television shows.-History:...
bottle cap fact.
Scientists are hoping the discovery of Ming will help aid in researching the aging process, and how some animals 'escape' old age.