For example, house cats usually live an average of 15 to 20 years, while a lion lives an average of 10 to 14 years. Monkeys live between 20 and 40 years on average, while a tiger’s lifespan usually ranges from 10 to 15 years.
While the average lifespan of people was between 30 and 50 years in ancient times, we see that it is much longer today.
Almost all the answers to the average lifespan of living things are hidden in evolution.
Every choice can be a renunciation in the evolutionary process, living things that choose to be long-lived may be deprived of some advantages, and those that choose to be short-lived may be deprived of other advantages. Genetic inheritance has a great influence on determining the lifespan of living species. The unique genetic characteristics of each species affect the rate of aging, resistance to disease, and overall longevity.
Different species have developed different genetic adaptations in the evolutionary process. For example, Galapagos tortoises, known for their average lifespan of 100 years or more, genetically inherit a slow metabolism, high resistance, and effective mechanisms against aging. Fruit flies, which can survive for 2 to 3 months, have genes that are less resistant to aging.
Living things that use energy more slowly, that is, have a slower metabolic rate, also live longer.
Creatures that have inherited a genetically slow mechanism live much longer. This is because a slower metabolism can reduce the production of harmful byproducts, called free radicals, that damage cells and tissues.
In general, larger animals tend to live longer. Cats are quite small compared to humans, and small mammals generally live shorter lives because they have higher metabolic rates. Because people are larger, they have a slower metabolism and may be less susceptible to metabolic problems associated with aging.
Species that produce fewer offspring and show more parental care generally live longer.
So those who receive more maternal love survive more. Humans are a species that base their evolutionary strategy on producing fewer offspring and parenting longer. They often have several children and are responsible for raising and supporting these children over a long period of time.
Feeding, protecting, and raising high-maintenance pups consumes parents’ energy and resources. This is why humans who produce fewer offspring and parent more would rather live for a much longer period of time than, for example, an insect species that can produce hundreds of offspring and does not parent them.
This strategy aims to maximize the chance of individuals to pass on their genetic heritage by maintaining a balance between survival and child rearing.
Species that live in highly endangered areas or have limited resources may live shorter lives due to increased risks and competition for survival.
Coyotes are among the species that live in highly endangered areas and have limited resources. They struggle for resources with other large carnivores and local predators. These harsh living conditions and competitive environment can lead to a shorter lifespan for coyotes.
Species that live in highly endangered areas or have limited resources may have a shorter life expectancy due to increased risks, competition and harsh living conditions. In addition, since their lives are at risk at any moment, they choose rapid and as many breeding strategies as possible for the continuation of their lineage. This causes their average lifespan to be short.
47876
