An incredible 507 years old ocean quahog, of the species Arctica islandica, was accidently killed by scientists when they cracked open its shell. Ming, the quahog lived from 1499 till it was accidently killed, according to reports in CBS. Incidentally, the clamp got its name Ming from the Chinese dynasty that was ruling China when it was born.

Scientists had found the oldest animal in 2006 on a seabed near Iceland. Initially, Ming was thought to be 402 years old, which was a record in itself. After further analysis the scientists have now revealed that it was much older - a grand 507 years old.

Anaware of the age of the ancient clam, researchers, cracked it opened to assess its age. Its age could be determined by counting the growth rings inside its hinge ligaments. But the rings were too close in the hinge ligaments, so they ended up counting the outer rings, on the outside. Had the researchers started on the outside, the old mollusk would have been alive today.

(Picture Source: independent.co.uk )

Pratima Tigga