In a message dated 6/28/00 6:37:15 AM, cymm@trinidad.net writes:
>BUT, there are also distinct ADVANTAGES to short life...
>the main ones being genetic adaptability because of
>the increased genetic mutation and recombination.
That's not an advantage to short life; it's an advantage to
early reproduction. It causes short lifespan only if early
reproduction and long life are somehow incompatible. In that
case, the incompatibility itself is the main casue of aging
- the tradeoff alone creates aging. The value of recombination
per se would only make a substantial difference for organisms
in fierce coevolutionary struggles (Red Queen races).
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