From: Twink (neptune@mars.superlink.net)
Date: Fri Jan 02 1998 - 16:34:29 MST
At 01:20 PM 1/2/98 -0800, Tony Benjamin Csoka <csoka@itsa.ucsf.edu> wrote:
>Yes, I've read these anecdotal accounts about the lack of aging in some
>fish, sharks, and lobsters - but I cannot find any real scientific
>articles on the subject. This is a pity, because if this phenomenon is
>real, then it should be looked at very closely. Maybe aging is linked to
>terminal cellular differentiation, which in turn limits body size. Having
>a small body is an evolutionary advantage in some ecological niches.
>Judging from the size of some dinosaurs, maybe the unlimited body
>size/immortal phenomenon existed long ago, and some prehistoric animals
>lived hundreds of years! Some huge trees even live thousands of years!
I'm not sure about animals living that long, but I've heard of certain plants
that do, but their lifestyle is clonal -- asexually reproductive. So, it's
hard to
draw a line between generations. How many philodendrons might have a
similar stab at eternity?
Anyway, I've also heard, but can't recall where, that long lived plants also
have higher quantities of antioxidants, which vindicates current chemical
life extension therapies -- if you happen to be a plant.:)
Daniel Ust
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