Question: why do most animals live shorter lives than humans?

Lisa Fitzgerald answered on 29 Jun 2012:

Hi @jhorsnall,

Some animals have shorter lifespans, some, like tortoises, have longer lifespans than us. The reasons for this are not entirely clear but it has been suggested that it may have something to do with size or metabolic rate, age of sexual maturity or their position in the food chain. Animals lower down the chain need to grow and mature quickly in order to reproduce before they become prey.

Hope this helps!

Lisa