Jonathan the tortoise is about 194 years old, and his genes may explain why
Earth 2.0From: Singularity Hub · rewritten for kids by Osmo
Read the story
Jonathan is a giant tortoise who lives on the island of St. Helena. At about 194 years old, he is the oldest known land animal alive on Earth. He has lived about 100 years longer than most tortoises of his kind. His vet gently took a few cells from inside his mouth so scientists could read his DNA. They think his genes act young, and that may be part of his secret.
Big word
DNA: The set of instructions inside every living thing that tells its body how to grow and work.
Quiz time: circle the right answer
1. About how old is Jonathan?A19 yearsB94 yearsC194 years
2. Where does Jonathan live?AThe island of St. HelenaBA city zooCThe Amazon rainforest
3. How did the vet get Jonathan's cells?AFrom inside his mouthBFrom his shellCFrom his feet
Your turn
Jonathan has seen almost 200 birthdays! Draw a giant birthday cake for him and write one question you would ask him.
My question about this story