Key points from article :
Researchers from the University of Oxford studied 152 animal species to understand how sociality—living in groups or close connections—affects lifespan and reproductive success. Their findings reveal that social animals, such as monkeys, elephants, flamingos, and humans, tend to live longer and maintain fertility longer compared to more solitary species like some fish, reptiles, and insects.
The research team observed that social animals benefit from shared resources, protection against predators, and collective care of offspring, which likely contribute to their increased longevity and reproductive success. However, being social also comes with costs, including disease spread, increased competition, and social stress, yet the benefits often outweigh these downsides.
The study recognises sociality as a spectrum, noting that some species fall between social and solitary, such as zebras and certain bird species. Importantly, the team used data from the COMADRE Animal Matrix Database, a comprehensive open-access source curated by the team, to support their findings across taxonomic groups.
The research provides an insightful reminder of the biological significance of social bonds. In a post-COVID world, where isolation's effects became more apparent, the study highlights that social interactions enhance resilience and adaptability. This is especially relevant for humans, emphasising the importance of community building and social support in public health strategies. The team aims to extend their research by exploring the genetic factors underpinning sociality, which could have significant implications for conservation efforts, particularly for social species at risk in changing environments.
The study, published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B), sheds light on the importance of sociality for longevity across species, reinforcing the idea that social connections are essential for thriving, not just surviving.
