Heritable variation in telomere length predicts mortality in Soay sheep

Significance Telomeres play an important role in aging, and having relatively short telomeres is associated with increased risk of death humans other animals. Telomere length influenced by both genetic environmental factors, which could potentially drive the positive association survival. We used lifelong telomere measurements from a population wild sheep to disentangle this relationship. Our analyses reveal correlation between longevity but no shortening mortality risk. These findings have implications for our understanding dynamics their health lifespan.