natural selection early survival reproduction later lifespan costs

A trait that helps early in life can still shorten life later

Natural selection can favor a trait that helps an animal survive or reproduce when it is young even if the same trait causes problems later. From evolution's point of view, the early advantage can outweigh the later cost.

≈55 million people/year

Medical bills can push patients into poverty

In India, patients often must choose between free public health care with too few resources and expensive private treatment. Medical debt pushes about 55 million people into poverty each year.

Taiwan was once joined to mainland Asia

People lived on Taiwan 20,000–30,000 years ago, when it was still physically connected to mainland Asia. Rising seas severed that connection about 10,000 years ago.

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natural selection early survival reproduction later lifespan costs

A trait that helps early in life can still shorten life later

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