Arctic Terns can live as much as 35-40 years in the wild, longer than many other

Question

Arctic Terns can live as much as 35-40 years in the wild, longer than many other birds. A hypothesis for this longevity is that Arctic Terns nest in very unpredictable environments and have low nesting success from year to year. Thus, their longevity is an adaptation to increase their chances of eventually having a successful breeding season. What is an alternative non-adaptive explanation for longevity in Arctic Terns (Note: Don’t invoke historical inheritance for this scenario. You will be well served by looking up some basic facts about Arctic Terns and some factors associated with longevity)? How would you test whether the adaptive or non-adaptive explanation is more likely?

Explanation / Answer

The Arctic Terns have their breeding season as April/May in the Arctic summer and after they are young, they fly to Antarctica where they stay for winters and again fly back to Arctic for breeding. There are many reasons which help them in giving their longevity. They have a high metabolic rate and helps in maintaining the temperature by burning food to generate the required heat. The non-adaptive reason for longer life because they have a strong defense mechanism. Whenever they sense danger, they dive into the water or throw a precaution to save self.

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