Rethinking Stress Through an Ecological Genomic Lens: From Predatory Pressures to Modern Mismatch

Manasi Mukherjee, Ashish Sharma

Stress, traditionally seen as a psychological issue with physiological conse-
quences, is now viewed as part of an evolutionary continuum. While modern
stressors have shifted from immediate threats to chronic psychosocial chal-
lenges, our physiological responses remain the same. In contrast, stress in the
wild is acute; today’s chronic stressors keep the body in a prolonged fight-
or-flight mode, diverting energy from other vital physiological functions and
leading wide range of health issues.
Beyond its impact on individual health, Chronic stress also affects bio-
logical and social patterns, potentially linking increased life expectancy with
declining birth rates, a trend seen in both humans and wildlife exposed to
human-induced stress. Understanding the relationship between stress and
demographic shifts could play a crucial role in public health planning and
biodiversity conservation.
This work integrates genomic and ecological perspectives, promoting in-
terdisciplinary research to better understand stress and its effects on human
health and ecosystem resilience.