Comment Re:Slower metabolism = longer life? (Score 1) 61
This is true in most cases. One exception to the rule that i know of is with birds. Avian metabolism (particularly that of Parrots) is closely being studied for breaking the generalized paradigm of higher metabolism or faster heart-rate means shorter lifespan.
Since longer-liver parrots have only been domesticated for a few generations, the "average" lifespan is not actually exactly known. But very large numbers of larger parrots (such as Macaws) live well into their 80s and 90s, some past 100. Medium sized parrots (such as Conures or Cockatoos) can live 40 to 70 years. And even small parrots (love birds, parrotlets, cockatiels, etc.) can live up to 30 or more years if cared for properly.
They do this and still have two to four times the resting heart-rate of humans. Also, humans have all kinds of fancy technology to keep them alive. Most of the longer-lived domesticated parrots were around even when Avian medicine was poor... and today, although avian medicine is much better, is not anywhere near is sophisticated as for humans, obviously.
Anyway my whole point in this little tangent is that metabolism isn't necessarily a life-span indicator for all animals. There are a lot of exceptions.
Can't wait to see what they find out about birds. Very interesting stuff!!
Since longer-liver parrots have only been domesticated for a few generations, the "average" lifespan is not actually exactly known. But very large numbers of larger parrots (such as Macaws) live well into their 80s and 90s, some past 100. Medium sized parrots (such as Conures or Cockatoos) can live 40 to 70 years. And even small parrots (love birds, parrotlets, cockatiels, etc.) can live up to 30 or more years if cared for properly.
They do this and still have two to four times the resting heart-rate of humans. Also, humans have all kinds of fancy technology to keep them alive. Most of the longer-lived domesticated parrots were around even when Avian medicine was poor... and today, although avian medicine is much better, is not anywhere near is sophisticated as for humans, obviously.
Anyway my whole point in this little tangent is that metabolism isn't necessarily a life-span indicator for all animals. There are a lot of exceptions.
Can't wait to see what they find out about birds. Very interesting stuff!!
