Men have a reproductive shelf life too
Telegraph.co.uk: Scientists reveal dangers of older fathers:
Of course, it could also mean that men carrying genes for congenital defects, autism, schizophrenia, and epilepsy have a more difficult time finding a mate and thus are more likely to marry and have children later than men who don't carry these genes. See a previous discussion on Marginal Revolution about this.
"A mass study found that deaths of children fathered by over-45s occurred at almost twice the rate of those fathered by men aged between 25 and 30.
"Scientists believe that children of older fathers are more likely to suffer particular congenital defects as well as autism, schizophrenia and epilepsy.
...
"Most research into older parents has, until now, focused on the risks passed on by older mothers. But the new study, published in the European Journal of Epidemiology, was adjusted to take account of maternal age and socio-economic differences."Via Drudge.
Of course, it could also mean that men carrying genes for congenital defects, autism, schizophrenia, and epilepsy have a more difficult time finding a mate and thus are more likely to marry and have children later than men who don't carry these genes. See a previous discussion on Marginal Revolution about this.
There have been a number of studies that found that men with autism or schizophrenia do not have children later in life. There is massive evidence of a paternal age effect and it explains sporadic/non-familial cases of autism, schizophrenia, cancers, autoimmune disorders.
Posted by: Leslie | June 01, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Joy! One more reason that reproduction is for the young!
Posted by: JD | June 01, 2008 at 08:50 PM