Long-term effects of stress exposure

We conduct many studies examining the long-term consequence of stress exposure on the pace of senescence and longevity (see also cross-generational effects of stressors).

 Senescence, a decline in reproductive performance or survival with age, is predicted to occur because investment in traits such as growth and reproduction come at a cost to self-maintenance. Variation in longevity is influenced in part by genetic factors, but environmental factors, such as exposure to stressors are also likely to be important.  

Stress exposure is expected to accelerate senescence, yet the mechanisms linking variation in stress responsiveness and stress exposure and longevity and the degree to which these effects are context dependent are poorly understood. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to variation in lifespan and are influenced by environmental stressors has important implications for health and conservation. This is particularly true in light of environmental change and increasing human perturbation.