A comparison of life span characteristics in Drosophila.

A comparison of life span characteristics in 12 Drosophila species representing different degrees of phylogenetic relatedness and various ecological backgrounds was undertaken. Survival curve, LT50, LT100, range and mortality rate were compared at three different levels: intraspecific (male-female); interspecific (within species group triads); intergroup (among species group triads). Data indicate that when differences are found within species groups, there is greater similarity between more closely related taxa. At all levels of comparisons, differences cannot be used to predict from one characteristic to another or from one sex to the other. The influence of both phylogenetic and ecological factors on patterns of results are evaluated, as well as the suggestion that at least two different mechanisms of aging may exist in the genus Drosophila. The observed diversity in life span characteristics among Drosophila species groups and similarity within species groups, demonstrate the value of a comparative approach for studying aging.