The evolution and life-history consequences of rapid ageing (2011–2015)

Understanding the processes of how, and at what rate, organisms age represents a key goal of biological research.We study how an extremely short lifespan has evolved in killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri and related spp), and how other aspects of their life history have changed in consequence. The project compares life history trade-offs of ageing in 8 populations from 4 study species. We test how different populations have responded to varying habitats, the major determinant of their lifespan. In the driest habitats we expect fish to have the shortest lifespans, mature more quickly and produce smaller eggs, but in a higher numbers. We also will look at age-related changes in fish brain and liver tissue and compare the rate of senescence-related degeneration. Ultimately, the work should provide a better understanding of ageing and age-related diseases.