Senescence as an Adaptation
2011
Why We Age: An Evolutionary Perspective
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): André C. R. Martins
Primary Institution: Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
Hypothesis
Why do most organisms show signs of aging despite the evolutionary disadvantages it presents?
Conclusion
The study suggests that senescence may actually be an evolutionary adaptation that allows lineages to adapt more quickly to changing environments.
Supporting Evidence
- Aging can eliminate less adapted individuals from the genetic pool.
- Senescence allows lineages to adapt faster to changing conditions.
- The model shows that aging species can sometimes drive non-aging species to extinction.
Takeaway
The study explores why living things age, suggesting that aging might help species adapt to changes in their environment.
Methodology
The study uses a computational model to simulate competition between aging and non-aging species in a changing environment.
Limitations
The model may oversimplify real-world conditions and the effects of aging.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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