EVOLUTION
The evolution of longevity
Physical and chemical protection can help animals to live longer – at least in the case of salamanders and tortoises.
Tortoises with shells are among those that live the longest. | Graphic: B. A. Reinke et al.: Science (2022)
Cold-blooded animals – ‘ectotherms’ – can supposedly reach an extremely old age, tortoises in particular. But is this really the case? A research team including Swiss scientists has compiled data from all over the world on the genealogy and longevity of 77 species of amphibians and reptiles (see the light blue bars). And tortoises indeed come out on top. But why? Those factors that seem to have a positive effect include protective mechanisms – primarily shells (species marked here in red), such as are found on tortoises, and toxins (in green) that are found in salamanders and snakes.
