The theory of aging that posits that aging is caused either by the accumulation of deleterious mutations later in life or by a trade-off between repair to damaged tissues and reproduction is called the ________.
A) theory of senescence
B) rate-of-living theory of aging
C) evolutionary theory of aging
D) particulate theory of aging

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The evolutionary theory of aging suggests that aging is caused by a trade-off between the costs of maintaining the body and the benefits of reproduction, and that natural selection may actually favor genes that promote aging. This theory is also known as the disposable soma theory.

Note: The rate-of-living theory of aging (B) posits that organisms with higher metabolic rates have a shorter lifespan, but this theory has been largely discredited. The particulate theory of aging (D) suggests that aging is caused by genetic mutations that accumulate over time, but this theory has also been largely discredited. The theory of senescence (A) is not a specific theory of aging, but rather a general term referring to the aging process in organisms.

The Theory of Aging That Posits That Aging Is Caused