Amazing Animals With the Shortest Lifespans, Ranked by Longevity

Many factors determine the lifespan of an animal — habitat, food sources (and availability), the animal's size and its ability to protect itself from predators. Longevity often depends on the age the animal reaches sexual maturity. The Greenland shark has a lifespan of 500-plus years, but they mate later in life, which accounts for why they are one of the longest living animals on the planet.
There is a large variation in lifespans in the animal kingdom, and some critters go through multiple stages of development that prolong life. But others are not so fortunate. Here are some amazing animals with the shortest lifespans, ranging from a few years to a few hours.
Amazing Animals With the Shortest Lifespans, Ranked by Longevity