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The evolution of menopause and human life span
1Gerontology Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. thomas_perls@hms.harvard.edu
Annals of Human Biology
|June 8, 2001
Summary
Longevity-enabling genes may not directly promote extreme lifespan but rather extend women's reproductive potential. This extended fertility period, coupled with enhanced offspring survival, could be the evolutionary driver behind human longevity.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Evolutionary Biology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Emerging data suggest the existence of specific genes influencing longevity.
- The relationship between reproductive fitness and lifespan is a key area of aging research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the scientific literature on the connection between reproductive fitness and human longevity.
- To explore the role of longevity-enabling genes in aging and disease susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating centenarians.
- Analysis of theories on aging, selection, and lifespan determination.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports strong selective pressures influencing aging rate and disease susceptibility.
- Current data do not indicate a direct selective advantage for a lifespan of ~100 years.
Conclusions:
- Extreme human longevity may be a byproduct of genes that optimize reproductive lifespan and parental/grandparental investment.
- Longevity-enabling genes may primarily serve to maximize reproductive success and offspring/grandchild survival.