Why in so many cases does it seem like the larger an animal is, the older is average lifespan is? Some bugs can live for days or weeks, but humans and sea turtles can be over 100 years old?
In: Biology
The relationship between age and size is not as self-evident as you might think. There are some bugs that can in fact live to be decades old (Termite queens and some cicadas). Many birds, although not very large have some of the longest lifespans in the animal kingdom (Parrots can live to 80 years, although they generaly have a very high metabolism). Whales and Elephants are much larger mammals than humans but they do not have longer lifespans (although they might if they were given the same medical care). Ageing is a very complex topic that is still very poorly understood by scientists. It is a number of factors that result in the variety of lifespans in the animal kingdom and while metabolism, cancer rates, and the like play important roles, environmental factors, like the risk of being killed by predators are also important. Consider also that getting to a very old age is only selected for in evolution if it means an increase in reproductive sucess. Most animals die quickly after they stop being able to reproduce.
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