Turtle Longevity and Human Aging

Turtles are known for their exceptional longevity, with some species living over a century. This is partly due to their ability to manage oxidative stress, which is linked to aging. Turtles produce fewer reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to their slow metabolism and poikilothermic nature, and they have mechanisms to repair cellular damage. These adaptations may have evolved to help them survive without oxygen for extended periods. While these traits offer insights into longevity, they cannot be fully replicated in humans. The video concludes with a nod to Patreon supporters.

What is the age of the oldest known turtle, Jonathan?

• 100 years

• 200 years

• 150 years

• 186 years

What is the term used to describe the ability of turtles to stay healthy and reproduce despite old age?

• Oxidative stress

• Rapid aging

• Negligible senescence

• Reactive longevity

What role do reactive oxygen species (ROS) play in the aging process?

• They speed up metabolism

• They contribute to cellular damage

• They are unrelated to aging

• They prevent aging

How do turtles manage to produce fewer reactive oxygen species (ROS)?

• By having a fast metabolism

• By consuming more calories

• By having a slow metabolism

• By being warm-blooded

What enzyme do turtles produce to help maintain the length of their telomeres?

• Amylase

• Peroxidase

• Catalase

• Telomerase

Why do biologists believe turtles developed their unique traits?

• To live longer lives

• To grow larger shells

• To survive without oxygen

• To become faster swimmers

How do turtles manage the burst of ROS when they come up for air?

• By increasing their heart rate

• By using antioxidants and cell-healing proteins

• By producing more ROS

• By slowing down their metabolism

What is the main reason turtles can survive in icy ponds for weeks?

• They are warm-blooded

• They produce more ROS

• They can shut down oxygen-hungry neural circuits

• They have thick shells

What is one limitation of applying turtle adaptations to human aging?

• Humans produce no ROS

• Humans cannot become poikilothermic

• Humans can live without oxygen

• Humans have longer telomeres

What is the potential benefit of studying turtle longevity for humans?

• Achieving immortality

• Increasing metabolism

• Improving fitness in later years

• Becoming poikilothermic