Reason for different animals' longevity

In summary, the reason for different animals' longevity can vary due to a combination of factors such as genetic makeup, environmental conditions, and lifestyle. Some animals, like turtles and tortoises, have a slow metabolism and a low resting heart rate, which contributes to their long lifespan. Others, such as whales and elephants, have larger bodies and can live longer due to their slower aging process. Additionally, certain species have developed unique adaptations, like the naked mole rat's ability to repair DNA damage, which allows them to live longer than other rodents. Ultimately, the longevity of different animals is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that is still being studied and understood by scientists.
  • #1
stevendaryl
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Insights Author
8,938
2,945
Is there a biological consensus about why some species live so much longer than other species? You can sort of understand aging as a matter of the body just wearing out with time. But that doesn't explain why, for instance, dogs go through a similar aging process as humans (gray hair, arthritis, cancer, etc.) decades earlier than humans do. Is the difference the length of our telomeres? Or our pulse rates? Or what?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #3
I'm not sure the article gives a concrete answer, but you may be interested in reading the following paper:

Jones et al. 2014. Diversity of ageing across the tree of life. Nature 505: 169 http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature12789
Abstract: Evolution drives, and is driven by, demography. A genotype moulds its phenotype’s age patterns of mortality and fertility in an environment; these two patterns in turn determine the genotype’s fitness in that environment. Hence, to understand the evolution of ageing, age patterns of mortality and reproduction need to be compared for species across the tree of life. However, few studies have done so and only for a limited range of taxa. Here we contrast standardized patterns over age for 11 mammals, 12 other vertebrates, 10 invertebrates, 12 vascular plants and a green alga. Although it has been predicted that evolution should inevitably lead to increasing mortality and declining fertility with age after maturity, there is great variation among these species, including increasing, constant, decreasing, humped and bowed trajectories for both long- and short-lived species. This diversity challenges theoreticians to develop broader perspectives on the evolution of ageing and empiricists to study the demography of more species.

In particular, the article has this really nice figure of relative mortality (red) and fertility (blue) as a function of age for a number of different organisms:
nature12789-f1.jpg


For a discussion of the biological factors involved in human aging, see:
López-Otín et al. 2013. The Hallmarks of Aging. Cell 153: 1194. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2013.05.039
Abstract: Aging is characterized by a progressive loss of physiological integrity, leading to impaired function and increased vulnerability to death. This deterioration is the primary risk factor for major human pathologies, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Aging research has experienced an unprecedented advance over recent years, particularly with the discovery that the rate of aging is controlled, at least to some extent, by genetic pathways and biochemical processes conserved in evolution. This Review enumerates nine tentative hallmarks that represent common denominators of aging in different organisms, with special emphasis on mammalian aging. These hallmarks are: genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular communication. A major challenge is to dissect the interconnectedness between the candidate hallmarks and their relative contributions to aging, with the final goal of identifying pharmaceutical targets to improve human health during aging, with minimal side effects.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Like
Likes jim mcnamara and Bandersnatch
  • #4
In the picture above, spot the odd one out.
Przechwytywanie.PNG

Cheeky immortal bastards!
 
  • Like
Likes mrspeedybob and Ygggdrasil

What is the reason for different animals' longevity?

There are several factors that contribute to an animal's longevity, including genetics, environment, and diet. Some species have evolved to have longer lifespans due to natural selection, while others have shorter lifespans due to their role in the ecosystem.

Why do some animals live longer than others?

As mentioned before, genetics play a significant role in an animal's lifespan. Some species have inherited traits that allow them to live longer, such as slower metabolism, better DNA repair mechanisms, and resistance to diseases. Additionally, the environment can also impact an animal's lifespan, with factors such as climate, predators, and available resources playing a crucial role.

Do different animals have different maximum lifespans?

Yes, different animals have varying maximum lifespans. For example, some tortoise species can live up to 150 years, while smaller animals like mice have a maximum lifespan of about 4 years. However, it's essential to note that these are just general estimates, and individual animals can vary in their lifespan even within the same species.

Are there any commonalities among animals with longer lifespans?

Yes, there are some commonalities among animals with longer lifespans. For instance, many long-lived species tend to be larger in size, have slower metabolisms, and reproduce at a later age. They also tend to have more efficient DNA repair mechanisms and a lower risk of cancer, leading to a longer lifespan.

Can we increase the lifespan of animals through scientific means?

While there have been some advancements in extending the lifespan of certain animal species through scientific means, such as genetic engineering and caloric restriction, it is still a relatively new area of research. It's challenging to predict the long-term effects of such interventions, and more research is needed before we can make any definitive conclusions.

Similar threads

  • Biology and Medical
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
855
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Biology and Medical
2
Replies
37
Views
7K
Replies
14
Views
6K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
6K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
7
Views
1K
Back
Top