A study with 100 pairs of mice conducted over more than three decades by the University of California, Riverside produced unexpected results. The scientists created mice genetically selected to present exceptionally high physical activity, expecting these "super-athletes" to pay a biological price for this effort.
The evolutionary theory suggested that these animals should face inevitable trade-offs, such as a shorter life or reduced reproductive capacity, due to the distribution of limited energy. The researchers expected to find evidence that the investment in athletic performance would have to be compensated with costs in other biological areas.
However, after more than 30 years of research, the scientists found no biological penalty in the mice selected for high physical activity. This surprising result contradicts a central idea in evolutionary biology about the energy limitations organisms face.
The study, reported by Sci Tech Daily, thus challenges a fundamental conception about the relationship between energy investment and biological costs, suggesting that, at least in these mice, extraordinary athletic ability does not require measurable sacrifices in other areas of life or reproduction.
