Is the claim that evolution selects for mortality true?
Maybe in a few cases. For instance, immobile organisms often take their parasite load out of circulation when they die, reducing the risk of their nearby relatives becoming infected.
However the main reason that things die is that making them long-lived is expensive and difficult. Anti-aging features are thus usually selected against—they cost too much. It is simpler, easier and cheaper to start again—now and again.
Maybe in a few cases. For instance, immobile organisms often take their parasite load out of circulation when they die, reducing the risk of their nearby relatives becoming infected.
However the main reason that things die is that making them long-lived is expensive and difficult. Anti-aging features are thus usually selected against—they cost too much. It is simpler, easier and cheaper to start again—now and again.