Principles of alternative gerontology

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Aging is widely considered a universal biological process.
• However, evidence suggests aging mechanisms are not conserved across species.
• Life forms face intrinsic and extrinsic destructive forces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the universality and mechanisms of aging across diverse taxa.
• To explore the relationship between reproduction, regeneration, and longevity.
• To identify conditions under which senescence occurs.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of animal taxonomic groups.
• Review of life history strategies, focusing on reproduction and growth.
• Examination of regeneration capabilities and senescence patterns.

Main Results:

• Aging is not a genuine or universal trait; its mechanisms vary significantly.
• Agametic reproduction confers biological immortality, bypassing senescence.
• Longevity without senescence is observed in species with continuous growth and high regeneration abilities.
• Senescence is linked to the cessation of growth/regeneration programs (e.g., insect metamorphosis) or their irreversible loss (e.g., mammals, birds).

Conclusions:

• Mortality is associated with terminal specialization in sexual reproduction.
• Effective life programs, including immortality and high longevity, mitigate damage.
• Senescence is a consequence of developmental programming or genetic loss, not an inherent biological inevitability.