Question 1

Mortality rates among siblings of centenarians do not differ from those of the general population,indicating that there is no genetic component to longevity.

Accepted Answer

While it was previously believed that longevity had no genetic component, recent studies have shown that there is a genetic component to longevity. Therefore, mortality rates among siblings of centenarians may differ from those of the general population.

Question 2

Briefly explain why the phrase "origins of human longevity" is used rather than "evolution of human longevity."

Accepted Answer

This is done to distinguish the longevity of Homo sapiens from that of other species in the archaic Homo genus,such as Homo heidelbergensis and Homo neanderthalensis.Although the genes resulting from evolutionary selection for longevity were carried forward into H.sapiens,our superior intelligence most likely established a longevity trajectory that is significantly different.Our longevity should be viewed more as originating than evolving.

Question 3

effect of genetic plasticity on mortality rates provides biodemographers with an evolutionary basis for predicting the origin of human:

Accepted Answer

Genetic plasticity refers to the capacity of an organism's genes to respond to environmental cues and alter their expression to adapt to changing conditions. Biodemographers can use this concept to predict the origin of human longevity, which is believed to have evolved as a result of adaptations to changing environments over time. Therefore, the effect of genetic plasticity would likely have had a greater impact on the evolution of longevity than on life span, senescence, or aging.

Question 4

When evaluating the origins of human longevity,biodemography considers only intrinsic factors affecting mortality.

Accepted Answer

Biodemography considers both intrinsic factors (such as genetics and physiological processes) and extrinsic factors (such as environmental conditions and lifestyle) when evaluating the origins of human longevity.

Question 5

Biodemography research shows that Gompertz mortality rates tend to be the same for all age groups.

Accepted Answer

Biodemography research actually shows the opposite: Gompertz mortality rates tend to increase exponentially with age.

Question 6

Age of death as determined from tombstone inscriptions may not represent the mortality rate of an entire birth cohort.

Accepted Answer

Tombstone inscriptions may not accurately reflect the mortality rate of an entire birth cohort because not all individuals may have had a tombstone or their tombstone may have been lost or damaged over time. Additionally, tombstones may not always have the correct age of death due to human error or lack of information. Therefore, relying solely on tombstone inscriptions may provide a biased sample of the mortality rate.

Question 7

Define life span and longevity.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define life span and longevity....

Question 8

For most of human history,the average human life span was less than ______ years of age.

Accepted Answer

The answer of For most of human history,the average human...

Question 9

Briefly explain how the superior intelligence of early H.sapiens may have decreased the mortality rates of mothers and infants and,in turn,affected longevity.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Briefly explain how the superior intelligence of...

Question 10

span is determined largely by one's:

Accepted Answer

The rate of aging is a primary factor in determining lifespan, as it influences how quickly an individual's body systems decline over time.

Question 11

The science of biodemography provides a theoretical framework suggesting that ______ is the underlying reason for the unique trajectory in mortality rates and life span we are now experiencing.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The science of biodemography provides a theoretical...

Question 12

origin of longevity in Homo sapiens may have arisen because our advanced intelligence allows us to adapt the environment to our genes and thus change ______ characteristics.

Accepted Answer

The answer of origin of longevity in Homo sapiens may...

Question 13

Biodemography is primarily a mathematical and theoretical science integrating the principles of ______ analysis with experimental observations from scientific fields such as archeology,physical anthropology,genetics,and evolution.

Accepted Answer

Biodemography primarily integrates mortality analysis with experimental observations from various scientific fields to understand the biological and demographic aspects of populations.

Question 14

The intelligence that resulted in better nutrition and better protection from the elements would have allowed early Homo sapiens to invest more resources in its offspring and lower the infant mortality rate.

Accepted Answer

With improved nutrition and protection from the elements, early Homo sapiens would have been able to invest more resources in their offspring, resulting in lower infant mortality rates. This is supported by anthropological evidence and theories on the evolution of human intelligence.

Question 15

In a single 30-year period,from 1920 to 1950,the average human life span increased by:

Accepted Answer

The answer of In a single 30-year period,from 1920 to...

Question 16

Parental life span is a poor predictor of offspring's life span

Accepted Answer

While genetics do play a role in determining life span, research has shown that other factors such as lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and chance events have a greater impact on an individual's life span than their parents' life span.

Question 17

The correlation between brain size and longevity is strongest:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The correlation between brain size and longevity...

Question 18

reason that longevity may have evolved slightly differently in humans than in other species is that:

Accepted Answer

Humans have the unique ability to manipulate their environment to a significant extent, which can lead to changes in lifestyle, diet, shelter, and social structures that impact longevity. This ability to alter and control the environment in ways that can mitigate risks and enhance survival is a key factor distinguishing human longevity evolution from that of other species.

Question 19

Investigations dating back to 1903 that compare age of death in a parent with age of death in their offspring have consistently shown ______ correlations.

Accepted Answer

Investigations dating back to 1903 that compare age of death in a parent with age of death in their offspring have consistently shown very weak correlations.

Question 20

The term "facultative" as used in biodemography means that the mortality rate or the trajectories of the mortality rate have significant plasticity.

Accepted Answer

"Facultative" means that there is flexibility or adaptability in response to changing circumstances. In the context of biodemography, it refers to variability in mortality rates or trajectories, indicating that they can change depending on environmental or other factors.

Quiz 7: Human Longevity