Parrot genome analysis reveals mutations favoring longevity and cognition

(Cell Press) A genome analysis of traits in parrots and 26 other bird species revealed that parrots and other long-lived birds share high rates of conserved mutations in genes responsible for supporting an abnormally long lifespan for a small animal. For example, the expected lifespan for a bird of a similar size as a parrot would be in the range of 15-20 years, whereas the blue-fronted Amazon parrot can live up to 66 years.

Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - December 6, 2018 Category: Biology Source Type: news