This research continues a study of a long-lived seabird that lives in the Galápagos Islands. After 24 years of marking members of the population, individuals are available from all age classes to test hypotheses regarding the causes and consequences of aging. Previous work has shown that the reproductive success of members of the population declines after they reach middle age, around 16 years old. Annual survival declines rapidly in elderly members over 20 years old. The new research will use several different methods to examine aging processes in this long-lived animal; the approaches include a genomic survey of individuals that die at young versus old ages, and pedigree analysis to estimate the genetic effect on rate of aging.
Aging and senescent decline have received considerable attention in the biomedical community, including laboratory research on short-lived models like fruit flies, mice, and worms. Our study gives a rare opportunity to study aging in a long-lived animal much like ourselves in terms of demography, in a pristine, natural environment. These birds have mechanisms, like a robust immune system, that delay senescent decline in performance. The research to be conducted will attempt to reveal some of those mechanisms. Results will contribute significantly to conservation of long-lived seabirds; the Ecuadorian government relies on the PI to collect information necessary to influence policy development for seabirds in Ecuador. Latin American and US students will be trained as part of this research, providing both groups with a valuable international experience.
