Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Resurrection of Dormant Daphnia magna: Protocol and Applications
Published on: January 19, 2018
What accounts for the wide variation in life span of genetically identical organisms reared in a constant
Thomas B L Kirkwood1, Martin Feder, Caleb E Finch
1Henry Wellcome Laboratory for Biogerontology Research, Institute for Ageing and Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 6BE, UK. tom.kirkwood@ncl.ac.uk
Abstract:
Individual organisms show marked variability in life span, even when they are of the same genotype and are raised in a common environment protected from extrinsic hazards. This intrinsic variability of life span is thought to arise from the stochastic nature of the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling development and ageing. In this article we review what is currently understood about the factors underlying the variability of life span and consider the implications for research that aims to improve the predictability of health in old age.
Related Concept Videos
Genetic Variation
Genes exist in different versions called alleles, which...
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Characteristics of Life
Gene-Environment Interactions
The Evidence for Evolution
Gene Flow

