Comparative analysis of lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster strains HA andBA

We studied lifespan (LS) of Drosophila melanogaster strains HA and BA. The first one was generated by long-term selection for low male sexual activity and features decreased LS as well as the changes in a relatively constant index-coefficient of LS variation. The BA strain was derived from the I-IA strain by reverse selection and has the mean LS and coefficient of LS varia tion similar to those of the normal strain D-32. Analysis of the death curv es of the HA strain insects does not exclude existence of a subpopulation w ith the normal LS within these strain. The obtained data are discussed in t he context of possible involvement of mobile element transposition in anima l LS control.