Evolutionary theories of aging. 2. The need not to close the debate.
BACKGROUND
Keller and Genoud [Gerontology 1999;45: 336-338] consider that a previous article of Le Bourg [Gerontology 1998;44:345-348] is an inappropriate criticism of evolutionary theories of aging and offer a refutation of this article.


OBJECTIVE
We answer that the article was not devoted to the criticism of evolutionary theories of aging but, rather, to the sometimes fast tackling of these theories on what is observed in the wild. Furthermore, we answer to the specific points contained in the Keller and Genoud's article (longevity of ants, reproduction in mammals, and the case of the human species).


CONCLUSIONS
The debate about evolutionary theories of aging is not closed: it would be an error to try to do it before a consensus has been reached.
Le Bourg
E
E
Laboratoire d'Ethologie et Psychologie Animale, Université Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France. lebourg@cict.fr
Beugnon
G
G
D000375:Aging / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001000:Ants / Q000502:physiology; D005075:Biological Evolution; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008136:Longevity / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D008322:Mammals / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology; D012641:Selection, Genetic