Summary
Growth, maturity and decline form the human life cycle from infancy to old age.
In depth
Life stages: infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, older age. Developmental plasticity: early nutrition programmes later disease risk (Barker hypothesis).
Development continues across life with phases of plasticity. Ageing results from molecular damage, cellular senescence and altered signalling; lifestyle modifies it. Programmed theories and damage theories both contribute.
Key idea: development and ageing are continuous processes.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ageing and Development?
Growth, maturity and decline form the human life cycle from infancy to old age.
Which area of biology covers Ageing and Development, and how advanced is it?
Ageing and Development is one of the 54 topics in Developmental Biology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Growth, Cleavage, Embryo.
Can you give an example of Ageing and Development?
Puberty is triggered by rising GnRH and leptin.
What should I learn before Ageing and Development?
Ageing and Development is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Developmental Biology that pair well with it include Fertilisation, Zygote, Embryo.
What topics are related to Ageing and Development?
The closest topics to Ageing and Development are Growth, Cleavage, Embryo, Organoids. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Ageing and Development?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Ageing and Development. To practise the whole of Developmental Biology, use the Developmental Biology quiz.
How is Ageing and Development different from Growth?
Ageing and Development: Growth, maturity and decline form the human life cycle from infancy to old age. Growth: An increase in cell number and size that produces a larger organism. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Ageing and Development step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Growth and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Developmental Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.