As an expert in the field of botany and natural history, I'm delighted to delve into the fascinating topic of the oldest living organisms on our planet. The quest to identify the oldest living thing in the world is a journey through time, involving the study of various species, their habitats, and the remarkable resilience they exhibit.

**The Great Basin Bristlecone Pine (Pinus longaeva)** is indeed one of the most ancient species we have the privilege to observe. This species is renowned for its longevity and is predominantly found in the American West, particularly in the states of Utah, Nevada, and California. The trees thrive in harsh, high-altitude environments, often above 9,000 feet, where they are exposed to extreme weather conditions, including heavy snowfall, strong winds, and freezing temperatures.

The Great Basin Bristlecone Pine owes its remarkable longevity to several factors. Firstly, its slow growth rate means that it uses resources efficiently, which is crucial in an environment where resources are scarce. Secondly, the tree's ability to withstand disease and resist pests contributes to its long life. Additionally, the tree's wood is dense and resistant to decay, which allows it to survive for millennia.

One of the most notable individuals of this species is Methuselah Tree, which is located in the White Mountains of California. It is estimated to be over 5,000 years old, making it one of the oldest known living non-clonal organisms. The exact location of Methuselah is kept secret to protect it from damage or vandalism, but its age has been verified through rigorous scientific methods, including tree-ring dating.

Another contender for the title of the oldest living thing is the Tjikko, a Norway Spruce (Picea abies), found in Sweden. While it may not be as old as the Methuselah Tree, it is estimated to be around 9,550 years old. What makes Tjikko particularly interesting is that it is a clone, meaning it has been able to regenerate from its roots over thousands of years, making it a living testament to the cloning capabilities of certain tree species.

In the realm of non-plant life, there are also fascinating contenders. For instance, corals, particularly those found in the Great Barrier Reef, can live for thousands of years as they continuously build upon their calcium carbonate skeletons. Similarly, ocean quahog clams (Arctica islandica) are known to live for over 500 years, with the oldest recorded individual being over 507 years old.

Moving beyond individual organisms, there are also ancient organisms that exist as colonies, such as the Pando Clone Forest, a grove of Quaking Aspen trees in Utah. While individual trees within the grove may not live as long as the Bristlecone Pines, the entire grove is a single genetic clone and is estimated to be around 80,000 years old.

In conclusion, the title of the oldest living thing in the world is not easily bestowed, as there are several contenders across different kingdoms of life. The Great Basin Bristlecone Pine stands out as one of the oldest known non-clonal organisms, but there are also ancient clones like Tjikko and complex colonies like corals and Pando that push the boundaries of what we consider "oldest."

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A Great Basin bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) is measured by ring count to be 5067 years old. This is the oldest known tree in North America, and the oldest known living individual nonclonal tree in the world.read more >>