According to evolutionary theories of aging, we age and die because
A) the death of elders has the effect of reducing the competition for limited resources.
B) genes that would have allowed us to be healthy and live after reproductive maturity were not selected.
C) the body's ability to repair itself cannot keep up with accumulated problems.
D) we have a built-in clock that determines how long we live and when we die.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Evolutionary theories suggest that natural selection favors genes that enhance reproductive success. After reproductive maturity, there is less evolutionary pressure to maintain genes that promote longevity, leading to aging and eventual death.

According to Evolutionary Theories of Aging, We Age and Die