Evolutionary Theories of Aging Quiz

Study Notes

Understand evolutionary theories of aging
Understand global demographic transition
Know mortality trends across the world
Understand the final stage of demographic transition in high-income countries (unprecedented decrease in mortality at older ages and shifting of disability to older ages)

Aging is a progressive decline in function, increasing vulnerability to environmental stressors, and rising risk of disease and death.
Demographic changes are essential to comprehend societal aging impacts and adjust healthcare practices.
Scientific/medical advances significantly influence lifespan.

Key ideas of aging: organisms create space for the next generation, ensuring turnover, and adapting quickly to environmental shifts
Few animals live to "old age" in the wild.
Programmed cellular aging is commonly theorized to explain aging, but complex aging processes don't fit this concept.

Mutation accumulation: harmful mutations affecting late life aren't pressured by natural selection.
Antagonistic pleiotropy: genes beneficial early in life might cause harm later, but the advantage early is strong enough to keep the gene in the population.

Organisms prioritize reproduction, allocating resources to reproduction rather than somatic maintenance
Two main functions (reproduction and body maintenance). Organisms maximize reproductive success, aging is a consequence of this strategy.
Examples of disposable soma are salmon, mice, and octopi with one chance for reproduction leading to accelerated aging.

Species longevity varies based on the costs and benefits of balancing energy tradeoffs between reproduction, repair, and other maintenance processes.
Energy investment in reproduction and maintenance defines life history patterns.
Some species (e.g., some mammals) exhibit slower aging.

Technological advancements and conveniences have led to decreases in physical activity and increased food consumption, increasing obesity rates.
Ghana example displays a changing population pyramid, with a shift from high birth rates/high mortality to low birth rates/low mortality.
Increased access to safe drinking water led to lower infant/child mortality rates and improved overall health.
Rise of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and cancer are a global concern.
- These diseases are a greater threat than infectious diseases/mortality and can have a profound impact on lifespan and quality of life in an aging population.