The stories of long-lived animal species reveal insights into human health and longevity, with some living for centuries. Steven Austad explores why animals that fly live longer than earthbound species and why animals found in the ocean live longest. He argues that studying these animals in the wild is the best way to learn from them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 10 August 2023
Publisher: MIT Press Ltd

Stories of long-lived animal species—from thousand-year-old tubeworms to 400-year-old sharks—and what they might teach us about human health and longevity.

Opossums in the wild dont make it to the age of three; our pet cats can live for a decade and a half; cicadas live for seventeen years (spending most of them underground). Whales,however,can live for two centuries and tubeworms for several millennia. Meanwhile,human life expectancy tops out around the mid-eighties,with some outliers living past 100 or even 110. Is there anything humans can learn from the exceptional longevity of some animals in the wild? In Methusalehs Zoo ,Steven Austad tells the stories of some extraordinary animals,considering why,for example,animal species that fly live longer than earthbound species and why animals found in the ocean live longest of all. Austad—the leading authority on longevity in animals—argues that the best way we will learn from these long-lived animals is by studying them in the wild. Accordingly,he proceeds habitat by habitat,examining animals that spend most of their lives in the air,comparing insects,birds,and bats; animals that live on,and under,the ground—from mole rats to elephants; and animals that live in the sea,including quahogs,carp,and dolphins. Humans have dramatically increased their lifespan with only a limited increase in healthspan; were more and more prone to diseases as we grow older. By contrast,these species have successfully avoided both environmental hazards and the depredations of aging. Can we be more like them?

Stories of Long-Lived Animal Species

From thousand-year-old tubeworms to 400-year-old sharks, the stories of these remarkable creatures offer valuable insights into human health and longevity. While opossums in the wild typically live for only three years, our pet cats can live for up to fifteen years, and cicadas can live for seventeen years, spending most of their time underground. Whales, on the other hand, can live for two centuries, and tubeworms can live for several millennia. Meanwhile, human life expectancy typically reaches its peak in the mid-eighties, with some individuals living past 100 or even 110. Can we learn anything from the exceptional longevity of these animals in the wild?

Methusalehs Zoo

In "Methusalehs Zoo," Steven Austad explores the stories of these extraordinary animals and delves into the reasons why certain animal species that fly live longer than those that are earthbound, and why animals found in the ocean live the longest of all. Austad, a renowned expert on animal longevity, believes that the best way to learn from these long-lived animals is by studying them in their natural habitats. He proceeds habitat by habitat, examining animals that spend most of their lives in the air, comparing insects, birds, and bats; animals that live on, and under, the ground, from mole rats to elephants; and animals that live in the sea, including quahogs, carp, and dolphins.

Human Lifespan

Humans have made significant strides in increasing their lifespan, but the increase in healthspan has been relatively limited. We are more susceptible to diseases as we age, and our lifespan is shorter than that of many other animals. However, these long-lived species have managed to avoid both environmental hazards and the effects of aging. Can we learn from them and become more like them?

Habitat by Habitat

Austad begins by examining the habitats of these long-lived animals. He notes that animals that spend most of their lives in the air, such as insects, birds, and bats, tend to have longer lifespans than those that are earthbound. This is likely due to the fact that they are exposed to a variety of environmental factors, including temperature changes, UV radiation, and predators, which can help to stimulate their immune systems and promote longevity. On the other hand, animals that live on, and under, the ground, such as mole rats and elephants, have longer lifespans due to their ability to adapt to their environment and avoid environmental hazards. Animals that live in the sea, such as quahogs, carp, and dolphins, have the longest lifespans of all, with some species living for over two centuries. Austad suggests that these animals have developed unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in their specific environments, and that we can learn from them to improve our own health and longevity.

Environmental Hazards

One of the key factors that contribute to the exceptional longevity of these animals is their ability to avoid environmental hazards. Animals that live in the air, for example, are able to fly away from predators and avoid exposure to harmful UV radiation. Animals that live on, and under, the ground are able to burrow underground and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and predators. Animals that live in the sea are able to swim away from predators and avoid exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants. Austad notes that humans have become increasingly vulnerable to environmental hazards as we have become more industrialized and urbanized. We are exposed to a wide range of pollutants, including air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution, which can have negative effects on our health and longevity. By learning from these long-lived animals, we can develop strategies to avoid these hazards and improve our own health and longevity.

Aging

Another factor that contributes to the exceptional longevity of these animals is their ability to avoid the effects of aging. Animals that live in the air, for example, are able to maintain their flight muscles and respiratory systems throughout their lives, which allows them to fly for long periods of time. Animals that live on, and under, the ground are able to maintain their bone density and muscle mass throughout their lives, which allows them to move around and forage for food. Animals that live in the sea are able to maintain their swimming ability and cardiovascular health throughout their lives, which allows them to swim for long periods of time and avoid predators. Austad notes that humans have become increasingly susceptible to the effects of aging as we have become more sedentary and less active. We are more prone to diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer, and our lifespan is shorter than that of many other animals. By learning from these long-lived animals, we can develop strategies to avoid these effects and improve our own health and longevity.

Conclusion

The stories of long-lived animal species offer valuable insights into human health and longevity. By studying these animals in their natural habitats, we can learn from their adaptations and strategies to improve our own health and longevity. While humans have made significant strides in increasing their lifespan, we still have a lot to learn from these remarkable creatures. By developing strategies to avoid environmental hazards and the effects of aging, we can live longer, healthier lives and enjoy the benefits of a longer lifespan.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780262547178