Open AccessEvolution of aging through reduced demographic stochasticity – an extension of the pleiotropy theory to finite populations
Author(s) -
Giaimo Stefano
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.17
H-Index - 63
ISSN - 2045-7758
DOI - 10.1002/ece3.889
Subject(s) - pleiotropy , biology , evolutionary biology , selection (genetic algorithm) , longevity , juvenile , mutation accumulation , ecology , mutation rate , genetics , computer science , phenotype , artificial intelligence , gene
In finite populations, there is selection against demographic stochasticity. In this study, it is shown that an increase in the rate of aging, here defined as an increase in early‐life survival at the expense of later survival, may reduce this form of stochasticity. In particular, a trade‐off between juvenile and adult survival is highly efficient in reducing demographic stochasticity. Therefore, aging may evolve as a response to selective pressure for reduced demographic stochasticity.