Does dietary restriction truly extend lifespan across varying conditions? This study re-examines the impact of dietary restriction (DR) on lifespan in *Drosophila melanogaster* (fruit flies) at different temperatures. Previous research suggested that DR's benefits might diminish at lower temperatures, challenging its universality. Using a robust strain known for its longevity under DR at 25°C, the researchers tested five different diets across 18°C and 21°C environments. The results confirmed that DR consistently extends lifespan regardless of temperature, while also reducing egg-laying as a positive control. The study highlights the importance of considering experimental setup, genetic lines, and diet-lifespan interactions when evaluating DR's effects. These results reinforce the potential for DR as a reliable method to extend lifespan across a variety of environmental conditions.
Functional Ecology publishes research on ecological patterns and processes, emphasizing the functional significance of organismal traits and environmental interactions. This paper fits the journal's scope by investigating how dietary restriction, a key environmental factor, influences the lifespan of fruit flies, linking diet to fundamental ecological outcomes. The work provides empirical evidence for the robustness of DR, adding to the journal's body of knowledge on the role of nutrition in ecological function.