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No. Evolution selects based on relative fitness. Killing older members is obviously more efficient for the population as a whole. However individual genes that
by Houshalter 12y ago
No. Evolution selects based on relative fitness. Killing older members is obviously more efficient for the population as a whole. However individual genes that "defect" and continue reproducing into old age will make more copies and spread themselves more into the next generation than the "aging" genes. Even if it's inefficient and they use more resources (which isn't true, it takes a lot of effort and energy to raise a child, keeping an existing body is way better.)
- deciplex 12y agoBut, the genes are in the new body as well? So, wouldn't the genes that move to a new host and program the old host to expire be better off?
- emiliobumachar 12y agoGenes do not move, they replicate. The old host did not lose the genes when reproducing.