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291 | Venki Ramakrishnan on the Biology of Death and Aging
Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas
Evolution Prioritizes Fitness Over Lifespan
Lifespan varies significantly among species, largely influenced by size and evolutionary strategy. Larger mammals tend to live longer due to evolutionary pressures favoring resource allocation towards longevity and maintenance. In contrast, smaller mammals prioritize rapid growth and reproduction because their short life expectancy exposes them to greater risks of predation and starvation. Evolution favors traits that enhance fitness, meaning the likelihood of passing on genes, rather than mere survival duration. Exceptions, such as bats, demonstrate that mobility and foraging capability can enable smaller species to achieve lifespans much longer than expected for their size, highlighting the role of environmental factors in evolutionary outcomes.
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