Animal models of reproductive aging: what can they tell us?

This commentary explores the relationship between what can be learned about reproductive senescence from studies in the laboratory compared with what can be learned from studies in the field. Laboratory studies allow researchers to isolate and analyze detailed cellular and molecular mechanisms of reproductive senescence, however drawing evolutionary inferences from captive studies can be misleading. The ideal study would combine field and laboratory observations and experiments. As with most other biological phenomena, understanding the nature of genetic and environmental interactions is central to understanding of reproductive aging.