Components of longevity: developmental and genetic responses to differential childhood mortality.

摘要: Abstract Childhood disease may have far-reaching effects on adult longevity in high mortality populations. It was earlier reported from demographic analysis of 19th century New England communities that survivors high-fatality childhood epidemics lived significantly longer than their unstressed counterparts. As part a broader survey agricultural families western Massachusetts, these data indicate elevated child is associated with an increase the average age at death survivors. This paper examines this selection process and problem heritable using cohort selected historical epidemics. A series tests hypothesis which attempt made to control covariates suggest widespread infectious strengthens developmental manner. Whether such episodes also eliminate less fit individuals according simple model could not be determined. The influence family formation variables loss, behavioral (fertility) responses are considered.