Why are there associations between telomere length and behaviour

摘要: Individual differences in telomere length are associated with individual behaviour humans and birds. Within the human epidemiological literature this association is assumed to result from specific patterns causing changes dynamics. We argue that selective adoption-the hypothesis individuals short telomeres more likely adopt behaviours-is an alternative worthy of consideration. Selective adoption could occur either because directly affects or both affected by a third variable, such as exposure early-life adversity. present differential predictions causation hypotheses describe how these be tested longitudinal data on length. Crucially, if causal then it should rates attrition. Using smoking example, we show evidence accelerates rate attrition within currently weak. conclude for between mechanistically plausible and, anything, compatible existing empirical than causal.This article part theme issue 'Understanding diversity dynamics'.