Living together is more bearable. And life expectancy increases, at least mammals. This has been proven by a study conducted by Chinese scientists after studying almost a thousand species. Those who live in groups live longer than those who live alone..
Most mammals seem to need other congeners to survive. Therefore, many species live communities: partnership essential for their survival.
“Distinguish the relationship between sociability and longevity It will provide a deeper understanding of how the history of animal life evolved.” This is the first sentence in the study conducted by a team of researchers from the CAS Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology Main Laboratory in Beijing (China).
The main conclusion of the study, published in Nature Communications, is clear: Mammals that live in groups live longer.. The researchers conducted a comparative phylogenetic analysis of nearly a thousand mammalian species in three social organization situations (solo, pair, and group) and examined the interrelationship between sociability and survival.
“Species that live in groups generally live longer than those that live alone, and The rate of transition from short-lived to long-lived is higher in species living in groups. The report states that “more than in nongroup species it supports the associated evolution of social organization and longevity.”
In any case, the investigation comparisons between different specieshowever, the difference in life expectancy between solitary specimens living in pairs or groups within the same species was not analysed.
Very different life expectancies
Mammals show an extreme variation in lifespan, up to 100-fold, from less than two years in shrews (Sorex spp.) for more than 200 years in bowhead whales (balaena mysticot). Researchers discovered that species with similar body masses have very different lifespans. And in almost all cases in favor of those living in a group.
The scientists tracked the equivalent traits between individuals living in groups and the longevity factor, to find out which aspects condition the reciprocal link between both factors.
Comparative brain transcriptomic (RNA study) analyzes were performed in 94 mammalian species and identified 31 genes, hormones, and immune-related pathways commonly involved in the relationship between social organization and longevity.
Other selection traits revealed up to twenty overlapping pathways under selection for both social organization and longevity. These results are a molecular basis of social organization’s influence on longevity.
” social tiesIt can extend the lifespan of a species by reducing mortality and improving health and survival outcomes, the authors write.
Other research has included, for example, female chacma baboons (papio ursinus) or rhesus macaques (mongrel macaque) those with strong and stable social ties live longer than those with weak ties. Moreover, herding animals are less likely to die from starvation or predator attacks..
It even occurs peopleAlright strong social relationships “can reduce risk of physiological dysregulation” (high blood pressure, stress, high cholesterol…), as previous studies have shown.
Group life also has its drawbacks.
However not all advantages: “A negative correlation between close relationships and longevity has been reported in female yellow-bellied marmots (marmot)”. Sometimes also conflicts arising from competition for mating partners and food, this can cause premature death.
Another negative aspect of group life: “Social organization can also influence the spread of parasites in the population.“, they point out. For example, Species that live in groups are vulnerable to infectious diseases. due to high rates of social contact and close social interactions between individuals”.
But nevertheless, “social species often develop strong immune defenses to minimize disease risk and protect themselves against pathogens.” takes the work.
HE rhythm of life It is another possible link between social organization and longevity, as it reflects an organism’s strategic allocation of resources between survival and reproduction.
” species with a rapid life history characterized by rapid development, high reproductive rates and short lifespan, species with a slow life history they are characterized by slow development, low reproductive rates, and long lifespans,” explain the authors.
Researchers admit that there is still points to clarifyTherefore, new studies are needed: “The molecular mechanisms underlying the evolutionary relationship between social organization and longevity are not fully understood.”
Reference report: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-35869-7
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