Naturally long-lived animal models for the study of slow aging and longevity.

Judicious selection of new animal models for the study of basic aging processes must combine feasibility and good use of the comparative method with evidence of antiaging adaptations, like the ability to combat oxidative damage to cells and tissues. A number of vertebrate species already in use or being developed as new biomedical models lend themselves very well to laboratory studies of aging, including small birds, bats, and mole-rats.