I aim to investigate the bidirectional links between telomeres and traits, i.e. how telomeres influence, and are influenced by other traits, and how variation in telomere dynamics plays a role in resolving life-history trade-offs: How does an individual’s current telomere length predict trade-offs between traits? How do early environmental conditions interact with intrinsic qualities to predict future telomere dynamics? How might tissue-specific regulation and protection of telomeres (i.e. telomerase) provide insight into tissue dysfunction and ultimately, mortality and morbidity? And can these protection mechanisms respond to environmental stressors?
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