[摘要] Avian biologists are currently making exciting research contributions that are directly relevant to the field of aging (reviewed in
Holmes and Ottinger 2006,
Monaghan et al. 2008,
Ricklefs 2008). But communication and collaboration between ornithologists—particularly those working with wild birds in the field- and more biomedically oriented researchers of aging are still rare. Here, we highlight some central research issues in the biology of aging that are of particular relevance to avian biology as a whole. We review recent findings that could be particularly interesting for ornithologists working in aging and related areas. We discuss the importance of developing more meaningful proximate measures of avian aging, and identify some aging measures and “bio-markers” that have special promise for bird studies. Finally, we suggest ways to build a more comparative and ecologically based “avian biogerontology,” integrating research priorities of ornithologists, comparative zoologists, and biogerontologists.
