What came first, longevity or the shell?

It is undetermined as to which came first, the tortoise shell or its longevity, but the both are codependent. The tortoise shell essentially protects the tortoise from predators and harsh environments. This is a big plus in outliving other animals around us. I mean if you were to face two knights together, one without armor and one with the full armor (chain link and all) which of the two would be expected to survive. Ummm, my money goes to the fully armored one, duh. It’s the same effect with giant tortoises. Other animals with protection, or a sort of self-defense against predators can outstand those that don’t have any sort of protection.

There are other determining factors that contribute to the lifespan of the giant tortoise. One obvious contribution is the speed of a tortoise. Speed with what??? Well speed of everything, referring to the slow speed of a tortoise’s life. Tortoises are slow at everything, running races against hares, metabolizing, and well they’re even slow at growing. Throughout a tortoise’s lifetime, all 220 years, it is growing slowly. While most large animals take about 1 year to develop into an adult the tortoise continues to grow constantly up until 18 years (varies with species). Since its sexual maturity develops so late in the game, there is less of a chance to die, the will to live is increased, I mean its life duty is, well, not accomplished until its genetic code is passed on. From an animal’s stand point, what’s the point in dying fast if you haven’t given a chance to reproduce yet? Animals that reproduce at an early age tend to die younger than those that reproduce at a latter age. Metabolic rate is also associated with lifespan. For example animals that burn energy fast, require more energy, and hence die faster than slow metabolizers. Take for example the hamster or shrew; they have a fast burning metabolism and a lifespan of about 2years. Tortoises require little energy, since they are so slow at everything, and burn metabolism slower. This is why they can survive long periods of time without drinking or eating.

So maybe instead of injecting botulinum toxin and killing the neurons responsible for muscle contractions of the face, scientist should develop a medication that will slow down metabolic process in humans hence creating longer life, just saying.