Measuring senescence in wild animal populations: towards a longitudinal approach

摘要: Summary 1A major current challenge in ageing research is to understand why senescence rates vary between individuals, populations and species wild populations. 2Recent studies clearly illustrate that senescent declines key demographic life-history traits can be observed many animal systems. 3Here, we summarize the challenges facing researchers working wild. We concentrate on: (i) limited data availability, (ii) substantial individual heterogeneity typical of populations, (iii) incomplete capture histories, (iv) trade-offs across life span. 4We discuss analytical methods overcome these challenges. advocate use Capture–Mark–Recapture models remove likely bias associated with re-sampling less than one. also trajectories may different populations. Wherever possible, should examine patterns multiple traits. 5Numerous are available describe rate shape free-living but there currently little consensus regarding which most appropriate analyses organisms. 6We argue only longitudinal marked or recognizable individuals provide reliable sources information study senescence. Senescence a within-individual process allow separate from between-individual heterogeneity. 7We two approaches measure using populations: jack-knifing approach, well-suited modelling survival probability, mixed-effects model approach. Both control for more accurate measurement patterns.