In biology the mechanism I suppose would be also friction but is quantifiable in terms of Mutations. Have to define the concept of error and relation to mutation. Many concepts need be more-precisely defined. Most generally from a mere glance at a person, we can roughly estimate the age. Use a car as analogy of physics.
Friction is the main culprit of wear and tear.
We can quantify friction and can give a percentage of total car mass to that of friction. But there are other errors such as ozone on rubber or plastic hoses detioration or cold and hot weather. Then there is usage, force by humans in slamming doors and accidental occurrences. There is the huge category of errors of salt and corrosion upon steels. We can quantify at what percentage would be the usual, on average, break-down of the car that it will not run.