Experimental evolution of aging, growth, and reproduction in fruitflies

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.97.7.3309
• Publication Date: 2012-07-25T17:37:36Z
• Authors: S. C. Stearns; M. Ackermann; M. Doebeli; M. Kaiser
• Keywords: Experimental Evolution; Life History Theory; Evolutionary Theory

We report in this paper an evolutionary experiment on Drosophila that tested life-history theory and the of aging. As predicts, higher extrinsic mortality rates did lead to evolution intrinsic rates, shorter lifespans, decreased age size at eclosion; peak fecundity also shifted earlier life. These results confirm key role growth, maturation, reproduction, aging, they do so with a selection regime maintained fertility throughout life while holding population densities constant.