Evolutionary Biology of Aging

This unique book looks at the biology of aging from a fundamentally new perspective, one based on evolutionary theory rather than traditional concepts which emphasize molecular and cellular processes. The basis for this approach lies in the fact that natural selection, as a powerful determining force, tends to decline in importance with age. Many of the characteristics we associate with aging, the author argues, are more the result of this decline than anymechanical imperative contained within organic structures. This theory in turn yields the most fruitful avenues for seeking answers to the problem of aging, and should be recognized as the intellectual coreof gerontology and the foundation for future research. The author ably surveys the vast literature on aging, presenting mathematical, experimental, and comparative findings to illustrate and support the central thesis. The result is the first complete synthesis of this vital field. Evolutionary biologists, gerontologists, and all those concerned with the science of aging will find it a stimulating, strongly argued account.

“"What has really been achieved in this book is a comprehensive review of evolutionary research on ageing: theoretical, experimental, and comparative." --Cambridge Journal of Ageing and Society”

"One beauty of the evolutionary theory of aging is its testability; it stands or falls on the pattern of age-specificity of genetic effects on survival and fertility, and these are open to empirical investigation. Rose himself is a leader in this field, his work on genetics of aging in Drosophilia having become a classic demonstration both of age-specific gene effects on survival and fertility and of genes with opposing effects on fitness at differentages. He produces an excellent review of the current state of knowledge on this point, not only for the classic animal models for work on aging, 'the' nematode, fruit fly, and mouse, but also for lesser-knownbreeds including plants." --Science"This theory and its more elaborate mathematical workings are dealt with by Michael Rose . . . . the experimental and comparative evidence in support of the theory are critically evaluated, with the not surprising conclusion that the evolutionary perspective is a powerful paradigm with which to understand the facts of aging. This review is more than competent and fills a long empty space on the evolutionary biological bookshelf." --Times Higher EducationSupplement"A welcome addition to the bookshelf . . . . forcefully champions the relevance of evolutionary theory to all aspects of research on this subject." --Nature"If you are a researcher in aging, then you will want to have Michael Rose's book for its thought-provoking and encompassing synthesis of the theories of aging from the viewpoint of an evolutionary biologist. . . .a stimulating evaluation of field observations of aging, experimental tests of aging theories, genetics of aging, and comparative studies of aging. . . .Useful and well worth its price. Certainly, there is nothing else available that so adequatelybrings together the evolutionary theories of aging and so competently evaluates them." --BioScience"An important book. . . .A serious and sustained attempt to change the basis, content, and direction of a whole discipline. . . .It is clearly and concisely written by one who has achieved eminence both as a theoretician and as an experimenter. . . .From now on gerontological research will be 'after Rose'." --Evolution"One beauty of the evolutionary theory of aging is its testability; it stands or falls on the pattern of age-specificity of genetic effects on survival and fertility, and these are open to empirical investigation. Rose himself is a leader in this field, his work on genetics of aging in Drosophilia having become a classic demonstration both of age-specific gene effects on survival and fertility and of genes with opposing effects on fitness at differentages. He produces an excellent review of the current state of knowledge on this point, not only for the classic animal models for work on aging, 'the' nematode, fruit fly, and mouse, but also for lesser-knownbreeds including plants." --Science"This theory and its more elaborate mathematical workings are dealt with by Michael Rose . . . . the experimental and comparative evidence in support of the theory are critically evaluated, with the not surprising conclusion that the evolutionary perspective is a powerful paradigm with which to understand the facts of aging. This review is more than competent and fills a long empty space on the evolutionary biological bookshelf." --Times Higher EducationSupplement"A welcome addition to the bookshelf . . . . forcefully champions the relevance of evolutionary theory to all aspects of research on this subject." --Nature"If you are a researcher in aging, then you will want to have Michael Rose's book for its thought-provoking and encompassing synthesis of the theories of aging from the viewpoint of an evolutionary biologist. . . .a stimulating evaluation of field observations of aging, experimental tests of aging theories, genetics of aging, and comparative studies of aging. . . .Useful and well worth its price. Certainly, there is nothing else available that so adequatelybrings together the evolutionary theories of aging and so competently evaluates them." --BioScience"An important book. . . .A serious and sustained attempt to change the basis, content, and direction of a whole discipline. . . .It is clearly and concisely written by one who has achieved eminence both as a theoretician and as an experimenter. . . .From now on gerontological research will be 'after Rose'." --Evolution"In eight well-organized chapters [Rose] carefully presents the background and rationale for the proposal that the evolutionary biology of ageing should be the intellectual core of gerontology." --Taylor and Francis, Ltd."The last chapter very nicely connects aspects of the preceding chapters into a detailed conclusion that champions the importance of the evolutionary theory of aging for research in gerontology. This book is a thorough digestion of important experiments and studies on aging that cover taxa from flies to primates. Rose is a rigorous, methodologically oriented evolutionary biologist whose critical eye sees pitfalls both in theories and the experiments that testthose theories. He has convinced me that his approach to gerontology is indeed a fertile one for the future. Read him and see for yourself." --American Journal of Human Biology"A carefully constructed work. . . . a successful synthesis of historical and current material. Unlike many reviews of this type, Rose does not strongly favor only one explanation for aging, but presents arguments for and against a number of plausible hypotheses. It provides a consistent approach through which to evaluate our knowledge to date and presents a framework, which should be utilized in addressing all current and future research on aging."--American Journal of Physical Anthropology"The most comprehensive review ever published on the subject. . . . provocative . . . should be read by biologists and gerontologists interested in theories of aging. It is reasonably priced." --Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics

Rose is a diplomate of the American Board of Opthalmology and a fellow of the American Academy of Opthalmology. He is in private practice specializing in eye health and anti-aging medicine in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, and Costa Mesa, California.

This unique book looks at the biology of aging from a fundamentally new perspective, one based on evolutionary theory rather than traditional concepts which emphasize molecular and cellular processes. The basis for this approach lies in the fact that natural selection, as a powerful determining force, tends to decline in importance with age. Many of the characteristics we associate with aging, the author argues, are more the result of this decline than any mechanical imperative contained within organic structures. This theory in turn yields the most fruitful avenues for seeking answers to the problem of aging, and should be recognized as the intellectual core of gerontology and the foundation for future research. The author ably surveys the vast literature on aging, presenting mathematical, experimental, and comparative findings to illustrate and support the central thesis. The result is the first complete synthesis of this vital field. Evolutionary biologists, gerontologists, and all those concerned with the science of aging will find it a stimulating, strongly argued account.

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