Meeting Abstract
Telomere dynamics (length and loss rate) are highly conserved mechanisms that have been shown to be predictive of longevity. In humans and in birds, individuals with longer telomeres and slower rates of telomere loss live longer. Telomerase, an enzyme that can restore telomere length, is expressed throughout the body during embryogenesis. It is down-regulated in most somatic tissues after fetal development, but remains active in germ cells throughout life. In human males, sperm telomeres have been shown to be longer than, but positively correlated with, blood cell telomere length. However, it is currently unknown whether sperm and blood cell telomere length covary in other organisms. Here we investigated the relationship between sperm and red blood cell telomeres in n = 30 free-living, adult male house sparrows (Passer domestics). We also compared blood and sperm telomeres with badge size and wing chord within the same individuals. The results will be discussed within the context of life history theory.
