life span

longevity
beyond
 contradictory

Conversely

implication: the gain insight

conclusion that can be
drawn from something
although it is not implication
explicitly stated
reconstruct

restrictions
mechanism
outcome
undermine
outnumbers

intact

ration
Calabria has an unusually high percentage of nonagenarians and centenarians and
comprehensive demographic records dating back to 1866. Calabria’s mountainous geography creates
isolated villages where many people still live a traditional lifestyle.

Scientists have learned that both genetics and environment are important, but neither factor entirely and
sufficiently explains why some people live so long. They look at other factors such as chance. Specific things
they’ve learned include the fact that in Calabria, genetics benefits males more than females, that people in
their 90s and beyond have genes that enhance digestion and metabolism, and that restricting food
intakedoes not necessarily confer longevity.

A centenarian’s siblings may have similar genes, but their spouses wouldn’t, although they share the same
lifestyle. (Paragraph L)

They used official government records of births, marriages, and deaths going back to 1866. (Paragraphs I
and L)

- Some people have a gene that promotes the digestion of certain green foods. (Paragraph N)
- Another gene makes metabolism more efficient. (Paragraph O)

Recent research shows contradictory results with caloric restrictions. Experiments on mice showed
mixed results. Experiments on monkeys showed that caloric restriction did not lead to a longer life span.
(Paragraph R)
 lifestyle choices, broken leg led
allele gene and for example, to dismissal
protein affecting doesn’t drink or from army
metabolism smoke; hardly
eats red meat,
eats mostly figs
and beans

longevity is
influenced by
genetics more in
men than in
women

longevity is not as diet and medical care

influenced by
genetics as in men

b
c
d
f
a
e
h
g