We all heard studies saying that human females would likely live longer compared to a human male. Though there are a lot of explanations from different studies regarding this claim, a study was released this week explaining a different answer on why this is true, and it connects to chromosomes. Yup, the Xs and Ys of your body.
Here's why ladies live longer than men, and it's all based on Chromosomes!
According to the latest research released by Biology Letters, having more gender chromosomes in your body tends to have an impact on whether you will live long in this world or not. This means that the fewer gender chromosomes you have, the shorter your lifespan is.
"These findings are a crucial step in uncovering the underlying mechanisms affecting longevity, which could point to pathways for extending life," writes ecologist Zoe Xirocostas, the study's lead author. "We can only hope that more answers are found in our lifetime."
Here's an explanation. The researchers found in their study that genders play a major role in determining the lifespan of both humans and animals. The study reveals that "individuals with two of the same gender chromosomes live 17.6% longer, on average than those with either two different gender chromosomes or just one gender chromosome."
For humans, females have two of the same gender chromosomes, which is XX. Meanwhile, male species have one each gender chromosomes with its XY cells. This means that females tend to live longer since they have identical chromosomes that highly protect them from any exposure to diseases and illnesses.
In comparison, males only have one of both chromosomes that makes them more vulnerable to harmful mutations since only one gender chromosome fights dangerous cells.
Yup, human female live longer than men but not for animals, here's why
Though it was already proven that gender chromosomes affect humans with their lifespan, this is a different scenario for the animal kingdom.
Researchers found out that animals-- specifically male birds live longer than their female counterparts, and it still involves chromosomes. Male birds have both Z gender chromosomes on their body while female birds have one of each chromosome with one Z and one W.
Just like in humans, the more identical your gender chromosomes are the more chances of having a longer lifespan. Male birds turned out to live, on average, 7.1% longer than female birds.
"Our study suggests that the unguarded X is an underlying genetic factor that can influence lifespan, but many external factors can influence longevity in different ways such as predation, risky behaviors, establishing territories, and access to quality nutrition," said Xirocostas.
Researchers also explained that their study does not just suggest that chromosomes played the main role in getting a longer lifespan. A lot of factors can still be looked at that explained why human females live longer than human men and why male birds tend to live longer than female birds.
"I would think that it plays some role in understanding sex differences in longevity, but it certainly isn't the only factor," he said, noting that both risk-taking behavior and parental roles also appeared to be important. "For instance, owl monkey males live longer than females, and the males play a big role in infant care in that species," he said, noting such males have two different sex chromosomes.
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