Eli5. What decides an animals longevity as for as mortality? A horse, way stronger and healthier than most humans, live only to around 20 to 30 years, yet the steady rate when humans expire is around 70 to 80 years. How does this work?
In: Biology
All living things have DNA. In humans and other animals this DNA is arranged in chromosomes. The chromosomes have caps on the ends that protects them called telomeres. Every time a new cell is made oh, the telomeres get shorter. As the telomere has run out, you see the signs of aging. At some point the organs become inefficient and the body eventually shuts down.
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