By NewsBlogger Researchers funded by the Leverhulme Trust and NERC have discovered menopause in five species of toothed whales. This suggests that this phenomenon may have evolved to allow females to survive longer and play a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges.
At a glance
- Menopause identified in five species of toothed whales
- Female killer whales outlive males, living into their 80s
- Menopause in whales may have evolved to allow females to become grandmothers
- Post-menopausal whales can lead extended lives without competing for mates
- Whales and humans share similar life histories leading to the evolution of menopause
The details
Researchers funded by the Leverhulme Trust and NERC have made significant discoveries regarding menopause in whales.
Menopause, the cessation of reproductive capabilities in females, has been identified in five species of toothed whales.
Female killer whales, known to live well into their 80s, outlive their male counterparts who typically die by age 40.
The study suggests that menopause in whales may have evolved to allow females to survive long enough to become grandmothers.
Post-menopausal whales, no longer burdened by reproduction, can lead extended lives without the need to compete for mates.
This differs from male menopause, which has not evolved in the same manner as female menopause.
Menopause is a rare occurrence in the animal kingdom, with only six out of over 5,000 mammal species, including humans and whales, experiencing this phenomenon.
Despite their evolutionary differences, whales and humans share similar life histories that have independently led to the evolution of menopause.
Additionally, post-reproductive female whales play a vital role in addressing environmental challenges, underscoring the significance of their extended lifespan beyond reproductive years.
This unique aspect of menopause in whales provides insight into the intricate evolutionary strategies adopted by various species to ensure survival and reproductive success.
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| independent.co.uk |
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| – Menopause may explain why some whales live around 40 years longer than others – Whales and humans are the only mammals that go through menopause – Menopause is known to exist in five species of toothed whale – Menopause may have evolved to enable whales to survive long enough to become grandmothers – Post-menopausal whales can have long lives without competing for mates – Female killer whales can live into their 80s, while males typically die by 40 – Male menopause did not evolve in the same way as female menopause – Female whales often outlive males of their species – Whales and humans have similar life histories that evolved independently |
| – The study was funded by the Leverhulme Trust and NERC – Post-reproductive females play a crucial role in dealing with environmental challenges – Menopause has evolved in only six out of over 5,000 mammal species |
