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Review
. 2024 Apr;25(2):301-311.
doi: 10.1007/s10522-023-10081-8. Epub 2024 Jan 22.

Linking telomere dynamics to evolution, life history and environmental change: perspectives, predictions and problems

Pat Monaghan  1
Affiliations
Review

Linking telomere dynamics to evolution, life history and environmental change: perspectives, predictions and problems

Pat Monaghan. Biogerontology. 2024 Apr.

Abstract

This perspectives paper considers the value of studying telomere biology outside of a biomedical context. I provide illustrative examples of the kinds of questions that evolutionary ecologists have addressed in studies of telomere dynamics in non-model species, primarily metazoan animals, and what this can contribute to our understanding of their evolution, life histories and health. I also discuss why the predicted relationships between telomere dynamics and life history traits, based on the detailed cellular studies in humans and model organisms, are not always found in studies in other species.

Keywords: Comparative; Conservation; Ecology; Environment; Fitness; Interdisciplinary.

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Conflict of interest statement

I have no competing financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

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