TED-ED: Why do animals have such different lifespans? - Joao Pedro de Magalhaes

The video explores the variability in lifespan across the animal kingdom, highlighting factors such as environment, size, and genetics that influence aging. It explains the biological process of aging, driven by cell death and dysfunction, and how different species adapt to their environments. The video also discusses human life expectancy, noting our ability to extend it through managing environmental and nutritional factors.

What is the primary cause of aging in animals?

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Predator attacks

• Cell death and dysfunction

• Environmental changes

How do cold environments affect the aging process in animals?

• They cause animals to reproduce more quickly.

• They increase metabolic rates, speeding up aging.

• They slow down heartbeats and metabolic rates, slowing aging.

• They have no effect on aging.

Why do larger animals generally have longer lifespans than smaller ones?

• They have a faster metabolism.

• They live in colder environments.

• They are less prone to predators and can reproduce multiple times.

• They have more efficient cell division.

What allows some small animals like bats and birds to live longer despite their size?

• They reproduce at a younger age.

• They have a unique diet.

• They have adaptations that help them escape predators.

• They live in warmer climates.

How have humans managed to increase their life expectancy over the years?

• By evolving larger body sizes

• By controlling environmental exposure and improving nutrition

• By living in colder environments

• By reducing the number of predators