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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
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Published on: May 18, 2022
The symmetry of longevity
Lawrence G Harshman1, Hans-Georg Müller, Xueli Liu
1School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 68588, USA. lharsh@unlserve.unl.edu
Summary
Flies with more symmetrical wings tend to live longer. This study found a significant link between wing symmetry and lifespan, particularly in male flies, suggesting a biological connection between symmetry and longevity.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Gerontology
- Animal physiology
Background:
- Organismal symmetry is a common trait in the natural world.
- The relationship between developmental stability, indicated by symmetry, and lifespan is not fully understood.
- Previous research suggests potential links between physiological traits and longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that greater bilateral symmetry in flies correlates with increased longevity.
- To determine if wing symmetry is a predictor of lifespan in a controlled experimental setting.
- To explore potential sex-specific differences in the relationship between wing symmetry and survival.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal cohort study was conducted using defined fly populations.
- Bilateral symmetry was quantified by measuring wing vein patterns on the left and right wings of individual flies.
- A separate experiment involved removing wings at the start of adult life to isolate the effect of symmetry from wing function on survival.
Main Results:
- The longitudinal study supported a positive correlation between bilateral symmetry and longevity.
- In the de-winging experiment, wing symmetry was a statistically significant predictor of lifespan.
- This predictive relationship was found to be especially pronounced in male flies.
Conclusions:
- Wing symmetry is a significant predictor of lifespan in flies.
- The findings suggest that developmental stability, as reflected by wing symmetry, may be linked to overall organismal health and longevity.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms connecting symmetry and lifespan, particularly in males.
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