Higher-or-Lower Quiz · Last updated: October 2026
How old can animals get? While some creatures live only a few weeks or months, others reach many decades or even several centuries. This guessing game ranges from the short-lived bee to the remarkably long-lived Greenland shark. Tip: size can be a clue – but it is far from the whole story.
How long an animal lives depends on factors such as body size, metabolism, habitat and natural enemies. Many insects have a surprisingly short lifespan, while tortoises and certain shark species, for example, can reach an exceptionally old age.
The values given are typical approximations and can vary considerably depending on species, living conditions and whether the animal lives in the wild or in captivity. Individual animals can therefore live much shorter or longer – which is exactly what makes estimating so exciting.
All values are rounded approximations (as of 2024/25) meant for fun, not as a factual source.
Test your feel for these numbers in the game: pick the category and try to get 10 correct answers in 60 seconds.