The relationship between lifespan and reproduction in the rotifer Asplanchna brightwelli

Lifespan is strongly correlated (0.7009) with the length of the reproductive period in the rotifer Asplanchna brightwelli. Lifespan is correlated to a lesser degree with the number of offspring produced (0.5545). When lifespan is extended by experimental means, it is the length of the reproductive period which is increased. Extension of the reproductive period appears to be the most important determinant of lifespan extension. These findings do not support most of the reproduction theories, but support the concept that the end of the reproductive period signals the end of the lifespan.