Sunday, January 23, 2011
Why We Age?
At this point in time we have no idea 'why' we age? There are many theories and ideas as to why we do but no one has come up with the correct answer and been able to prove it. I don't think there is one distinct reason for why we age; I think there are multiple. Mostly I think aging has to do with our genetic make-up and genes because if you think about it everyone has their own unique individual life span and no two people are exactly the same. As aging occurs I think various things happen that help prepare us for death, such as aging physically, mentally, emotionally, etc. I believe humans and all other species age and die for both reproductive and population advantages. If we all lived forever our genes would eventually be old, mutated, and outdated. Before the death of an individual occurs their genes can be recycled within their offspring. Also, I think death is nature's way of controlling the population of a species because it is unavoidable.
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Great link! I thought it was a very useful site.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that aging and death in populations can serve as an advantage for reproduction and population. In a way they could serve as a control? Good post!
ReplyDeleteYour idea of aging as a way to prepare us for death both physically and emotinally is very intruguing. I think you're right, it would make life more difficult if you couldn't anticipate others and your own death. Perhaps this would be similar to loosing a loved on in a sudden accident or illness and it being intensely painful because you didn't have a chance to say good bye. Great idea!
ReplyDeleteThe website you linked was interesting. I have always found mitochondria to be fascinating because it is so small, yet it is the "powerhouses" of our cells. Did you know that everyone's mitochondria is passed from mother's to offspring?
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