As they erode over time, the chance of unravelling increases, so the length of telomeres can be used to estimate "biological age". While the telomeres of subordinate meerkats remained stable ...

And by nine weeks, they are weaned. Meerkats reach sexual maturity by 1.5 years of age. Meerkats are social animals that live in large groups of up to 40 individuals, called a gang or mob.

As they erode over time, the chance of unravelling increases, so the length of telomeres can be used to estimate "biological age." While the telomeres of subordinate meerkats remained stable ...