Experimental gerontologySep 8, 2015

Multiple Factors Linked to Slower Biological Aging: Insights from Comparing Different Systems

Updated Feb 11, 2026

Abstract

Naturally long-lived species may offer insights into mechanisms of longevity.

Certain species survive under conditions that are harmful to humans, providing a unique perspective on aging.
Natural selection may have allowed these long-lived animals to experience a slower aging process.
Exceptional endocrine and metabolic systems are characteristics of species that exhibit attenuated aging.
Some animals show tolerance to oxidative stress, which could relate to their longevity.
The review identifies both advantages and limitations of using a comparative approach to study aging.

Simplified

Traditionally scientists have attempted to understand the biology of aging through engineering tractable systems, employing methods such as transgenesis and environmental or nutritional manipulation. An alternative approach relies on the phenomena of natural, extreme biology. Numerous examples exist of species that persist under conditions that promote pathology in humans and considerable insight has been garnered by uncovering the molecular mechanisms mediating this "evolutionary experimentation". Here we focus on a few well-studied naturally long-lived species to evaluate how natural selection has permitted an attenuated aging process without the physiological decline that plagues short lived species. Animals with exceptional endocrine and metabolic systems, as well as animals that tolerate oxidative stress are proposed as good models for studying the mechanisms of longevity. Cumulatively, this review will highlight some advantages and shortcomings of using a comparative approach to study aging.

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