As an expert in the field of zoology with a focus on long-lived species, I have a deep interest in the longevity of various creatures. When it comes to the oldest living creature in the world, there are several contenders, and the title often changes hands as new discoveries are made and as older animals pass away. However, I can provide an overview of some of the oldest known organisms and the current contenders for the title.

Step 1: English Answer

The title of the oldest living creature is a subject of ongoing debate and research. There are various organisms that can claim to be among the oldest on Earth, and they span different categories of life, from plants to animals and even to microscopic organisms.

### Marine Organisms


1. Bowhead Whales: These whales are known to live for over 200 years, with some individuals having been identified through ice core samples that date back to the 1400s.


2. Ocean Quahogs (Arctica islandica): A clam named Ming, which was over 500 years old when it was不慎 (unfortunately) killed during a scientific study, held the title for the oldest animal for a time.

### Terrestrial Animals


1. Giant Tortoises: The Aldabra giant tortoise you mentioned, Adwaita, was indeed an impressively old creature. However, the title of the oldest terrestrial animal is often attributed to another tortoise species, the Galápagos tortoise. An individual named Diego, a Galápagos tortoise, was estimated to be over 100 years old when he was found and is believed to have contributed significantly to the repopulating of his species on Espanola Island.


2. Tu'i Malila: As you mentioned, this radiated tortoise from Madagascar was considered the oldest verified vertebrate until its death in 1965.

### Plants


1. Methuselah Tree: A Great Basin bristlecone pine tree in California's White Mountains, named Methuselah, is over 4,800 years old, making it one of the oldest living organisms.


2. Pando: This is a Quaking Aspen grove in Utah, which is considered a single organism due to its interconnected root system. It's estimated to be around 80,000 years old, although the individual stems are much younger.

### Microscopic Organisms


1. Stromatolites: These are layered rock formations formed by the growth of cyanobacteria. Some of the oldest stromatolites date back to 3.5 billion years ago.


2. Tardigrades: Also known as water bears, these microscopic animals are known for their incredible resilience and can survive extreme conditions, but their individual lifespan is not particularly long.

### Current Contenders

As of my last update, the oldest known living vertebrate is believed to be a Galápagos tortoise named Jonathan, who resides on the island of St. Helena. Jonathan is estimated to be over 180 years old, as of 2024.

It's important to note that the verification of age, especially for very long-lived species, can be challenging. In many cases, the exact age is an estimate based on various factors such as growth rings, historical records, and in some cases, carbon dating.

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Adwaita, an Aldabra giant tortoise, died at an estimated age of 255 in March 2006 in Alipore Zoo, Kolkata, India. If verified, it will have been the oldest terrestrial animal in the world. Tu'i Malila, a radiated tortoise, died at an age of 188 years in May 1965, at the time the oldest verified vertebrate.read more >>