What Makes Animals Live Longer

(532 Words)
There are many factors that affect life expectancy in animals. Researchers are constantly studying these factors, especially in animals that are threatened or that they are trying to aid. Some of these factors stem from the activities of humans while others are out of our control. By understanding these factors, we can do our best to help animals in peril.
Of course, genetics is the number one factor. Some animals simply live longer than others based on genetics. For instance, according to Discovery, the Ocean Quahog can live up to 400 years.
There are many different ways in which humans affect the life expectancy in animals. First, there are many animals that are hunted by humans, and obviously this can encroach into the life expectancy in these animals. Some of these animals are hunted for their meat, others for sport, others for other products and many for a combination of these. Sometimes the population is enough to support these; other times it can seriously cut into the life expectancy in the animals as a whole. There are many efforts to stop this overhunting, with limited results. Sometimes the hunting occurs even in places where it is illegal.
The effect of humans on the environment can make a big difference in the life expectancy of animals. As humans tear down forests and natural areas to make way for roads, cities and buildings, the natural habitat of many of these animals disappear. Without their homes, many of these animals simply die out. They have nowhere to live and nowhere to search for food. Even without being hunted, they may not have enough to survive.
Pollution can also shorten the life expectancy in animals. Companies have polluted lakes and rivers where fish and other marine life made their home. Sometimes these poisons can kill or lower the life expectancy in these animals. They may cause mutations or other problems. This pollution can be in the air, water or ground. It may affect their food as well.
In some cases, human intervention can increase the life expectancy in animals. Some animals may live longer (albeit not necessarily better) lives in captivity where they are not hunted and get all of the food they need. They may also get care. Some specific invention programs can increase the life expectancy in animals.
The weather and other natural events can also play a part in the life expectancy in animals. When there are natural calamities such as floods, fires and droughts, these cut into the life expectancy in animals. They may make food more sparse or kill the animals themselves.
The natural predators an animal has affects life expectancy. An animal with more predators may find their life expectancy cut short. This can change as time goes on and as populations of animals move around and change.
Many of these factors change greatly as time goes on. Human interaction changes through the years, as do weather patterns and natural events. Humans may hunt or otherwise lower the life expectancy in animals or they may make positive moves that increases it. By learning about all of these factors, humans can make sure their actions provide positive outcomes for the animals.