Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh
Professor Joao Pedro de Magalhaes, from the University of Birmingham, has presented a new theory challenging existing notions of aging in humans
The study suggests a connection between the dominance of dinosaurs over 100 million years ago and the aging process observed in modern mammals, including humans
Published in a peer reviews journal, BioEssays, the "longevity bottleneck" hypothesis proposes that evolutionary pressures exerted by dinosaurs have left an enduring impact on how mammals age
During the Mesozoic Era, early mammals faced constant threats from dinosaurs, leading to rapid reproduction as a survival strategy. This intense pressure is believed to have influenced the loss or inactivation of longevity-associated genes
Professor de Magalhaes points out that humans, despite being among the longest-living animals, age faster than many reptiles, indicating that genetic constraints from the Mesozoic era continue to shape mammalian lifespans
Early mammals, existing in the shadows of dinosaurs, prioritized quick reproduction over longevity as an adaptive strategy. This approach may have inadvertently shaped the aging process in their descendants
The animal kingdom shows remarkable examples of repair and regeneration, traits that were unnecessary for mammals facing the primary challenge of avoiding becoming prey. For example, a lion or a dog can heal their wounds, just by licking it
Today's mammals, including humans, whales, and elephants, may live long lives and grow large, but they still carry the genetic legacy of their Mesozoic ancestors, influencing the aging process
The hypothesis also raises some other questions, including the possibility that the higher incidence of cancer in mammals compared to other species could be a consequence of the rapid aging process inherited from the time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth
The scientific community is trying to delve deep into this theory; however, the report currently sheds light on the enduring influence of the past on our fundamental aspects of life