Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 7, 2025
14:34
How to Create and Use Binocular Rivalry
Published on: November 10, 2010
76.0K
The temporary cost of dominance
Calen P Ryan1, Christopher W Kuzawa1,2
1Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States.
Elife
|April 30, 2021
Summary
A novel method for assessing biological age in wild baboons showed that social status impacts longevity. Higher social rank correlated with a younger biological age, suggesting social factors influence aging processes.
Area of Science:
- Primatology
- Gerontology
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Understanding the factors influencing biological aging is crucial for public health.
- Social hierarchy is a known stressor in many species, potentially affecting health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate a new method for assessing biological age in a wild baboon population.
- To investigate the relationship between social hierarchy and biological age in wild baboons.
Main Methods:
- A novel epigenetic clock was applied to blood samples from wild baboons.
- Individual social rank was determined through established observational methods.
- Biological age was compared against chronological age and social status.
Main Results:
- The new biological age assessment revealed significant variation within the baboon population.
- Higher-ranking baboons exhibited a younger biological age compared to lower-ranking individuals.
- Social status was a stronger predictor of biological age than chronological age in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- Social hierarchy significantly influences the aging process in wild baboons.
- The novel biological age assessment tool is effective in wild populations.
- Findings highlight the profound impact of social environment on health and longevity.
Related Concept Videos
01:43Incomplete Dominance
28.6K
Gregor Mendel's work (1822 - 1884) was primarily focused on pea plants. Through his initial experiments, he determined that every gene in a diploid cell has two variants called alleles inherited from each parent. He suggested that amongst these two alleles, one allele is dominant in character and the other recessive. The combination of alleles determines the phenotype of a gene in an organism.
28.6K
01:08Timing and Consequences on Behavior
217
In operant conditioning, the timing of reinforcement is crucial. For animals like rats and cats, immediate reinforcement (within a few seconds) is much more effective than delayed reinforcement. For example, a food reward for a rat needs to follow within 30 seconds of pressing a bar to be effective.
Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant...
Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant...
217
02:34Competition
23.3K
When organisms require the same limited resources within an environment, they may have to compete for them. Competition is a net-negative interaction. Even if two competing individuals or populations do not interact directly, the overall fitness of both competitors is lowered as a result of not having full access to the limited resource.
23.3K
02:20Dynamic Equilibrium
58.7K
A reversible chemical reaction represents a chemical process that proceeds in both forward (left to right) and reverse (right to left) directions. When the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, the concentrations of the reactant and product species remain constant over time and the system is at equilibrium. A special double arrow is used to emphasize the reversible nature of the reaction. The relative concentrations of reactants and products in equilibrium systems vary greatly;...
58.7K
01:28Compensation Mechanisms
1.6K
The human body employs intricate mechanisms to counteract changes in blood pH, preventing conditions like acidosis (pH < 7.35) and alkalosis (pH > 7.45). These compensatory responses aim to restore normal arterial blood pH by engaging respiratory or renal systems, depending on the source of the imbalance.
Respiratory Compensation
This mechanism addresses metabolic-induced pH imbalances by adjusting breathing rates. Respiratory compensation begins within minutes of detecting a pH...
Respiratory Compensation
This mechanism addresses metabolic-induced pH imbalances by adjusting breathing rates. Respiratory compensation begins within minutes of detecting a pH...
1.6K
02:12Relationship Formation
43.3K
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
43.3K