Red Sea Urchins Nearly Immortal

varjag writes "A study by scientists from Oregon State University and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have revealed that Red Sea urchins are practically immortal. While they can die from diseases or predator attacks, it seems that their life span has no biological limit. Specimen as old as 100 and 200 years have been discovered, while previously they were expected to last no longer than 7-15 years."

Comments

Re:What

[buttahead]

The key to their longevity appears to be always growing, but ever so slowly.

acutally, consistant isn't indicated as the reason for long life... evolution can explain the age of these guys.

Anything that happens after a creature stops reproducing does not contribute to evolution. So, typicaly you see creatures die soon after they stop reproducing, as there is no more need for them to exist. This has been indicated in women recently in small studies, but also makes some sence if you think about it.

The fact that the urchins just keep on putting out sperm and eggs means that longevity can help them spread their genes more than any short lived urchin. and viola... if there is any age after which the urchins do go through a menopause... death for them will probably be within a few years after.

Hazy logic?

[brianjcain]

This just in -- housefly researchers determine that human beings are near immortal, with natural lifespans in excess of two months.