From: J. R. Molloy (jr@shasta.com)
Date: Fri Nov 19 1999 - 23:21:37 MST
Patrick Wilken wrote,
>Its more likely that evolution does not select for genes
>that will slow aging if its likely that the
>individual will die early for unrelated causes.
>Metabolic rate is a reasonable first indicator for how
>a particular species will live, but species with similar
>metabolic rates age at different rates depending on their
>survival chances.
Okay, so evolution invests in genetically-related longevity only when a species
has a survival rate high enough to justify such a genetic configuration. Rather
than giving short-lived animals any kind of evolutionary advantage, this simply
shows that evolution doesn't waste goodies on organisms that don't get a chance
to use them. I think I've got it now, thanks.
>The argument being that evolution will
>select for longevity as soon as the individual is likely
>to survive to a point where slower aging is worthwhile.
>Its quite possible that our greatly reduced rate of aging
>relative to chimpanzees is a direct result of our greatly
>increased chances of survival (due to our smarts) allowing
>anti-aging genes to be selected for.
Nice explanation. May you live in eternity's sunrise.
--J. R.
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