Effect of extrinsic mortality on the evolution of senescence in guppies

David N. Reznick (), Michael J. Bryant, Derek Roff, Cameron K. Ghalambor and Dionna E. Ghalambor
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David N. Reznick: University of California
Michael J. Bryant: University of California
Derek Roff: University of California
Cameron K. Ghalambor: Colorado State University
Dionna E. Ghalambor: Colorado State University

Nature, 2004, vol. 431, issue 7012, 1095-1099

Abstract: Abstract Classical theories1,2 for the evolution of senescence predict that organisms that experience low mortality rates attributable to external factors, such as disease or predation, will evolve a later onset of senescence. Here we use patterns of senescence in guppies derived from natural populations that differ in mortality risk to evaluate the generality of these predictions. We have previously found that populations experiencing higher mortality rates evolve earlier maturity and invest more in reproduction, as predicted by evolutionary theory3. We report here that these same populations do not have an earlier onset of senescence with respect to either mortality or reproduction but do with respect to swimming performance, which assesses neuromuscular function. This mosaic pattern of senescence challenges the generality of the association between decreased extrinsic mortality and delayed senescence and invites consideration of more derived theories for the evolution of senescence.

Date: 2004
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DOI: 10.1038/nature02936

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