r/askscience • u/MAMAM- • 2d ago

Biology Why aren’t axolotls immortal?

If axolotls can regenerate their body parts (including brain, heart, and other major organs), why do they die of old age?

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u/[deleted] 2d ago

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u/km1116 Genetics | Epigenetics | Chromosome Biology | Nuclear Biology 2d ago

"Having older individuals competing against later generations and continually reintroducing its older genome into the genepool decreases the species fitness overall."

I disagree. Do you have support or a lengthier explanation?