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The selection force weakens with age because ageing evolves and not vice versa.

Stefano Giaimo1, Arne Traulsen2

  • 1Department of Evolutionary Theory, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, August-Thienemann-Straße 2, 24306, Plön, Germany. giaimo@evolbio.mpg.de.

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Ageing evolves dynamically, not solely due to declining selection. This study reveals selection

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Life history theory
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Classic life history evolution theory posits ageing evolves due to declining selection with age.
  • This decline is based on specific assumptions that may not always hold true.
  • The evolution of ageing when these assumptions are relaxed is an open question.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolution of ageing without presupposing a specific pattern for the force of selection.
  • To generalize the classic theory of life history evolution.
  • To understand the dynamic relationship between ageing and selection across the reproductive lifespan.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a fully dynamical model of life history evolution.
  • Analysis of model outcomes without assuming a predetermined decline in selection force.
  • Examination of equilibrium conditions and transient dynamics of ageing and selection.

Main Results:

  • Ageing can stably evolve, but negative ageing (rejuvenation) cannot.
  • When ageing is a stable evolutionary equilibrium, selection force decreases with reproductive age.
  • Non-decreasing selection force is shown to be a transient or unstable phenomenon.

Conclusions:

  • The classic theory of ageing evolution is generalized and its underlying logic overturned.
  • The decline of selection with age is a dynamically evolving process, not an inherent consequence of assumptions.
  • This dynamical perspective offers a more comprehensive understanding of ageing evolution.