Summary:

- A new study has found that great whales, such as blue, fin, and sperm whales, can live for centuries, with some individuals potentially reaching over 200 years old.
- The study suggests that the dramatic decline in whale populations due to commercial whaling in the 20th century has deprived these long-lived species of the opportunity to reach their full lifespans.
- The findings highlight the importance of protecting and restoring whale populations, as their longevity and role as apex predators make them crucial to the health and resilience of marine ecosystems.