Females of some whale species have evolved to live drastically longer lives so they can care for their families, research shows.
The study focused on five whale species that – along with humans – are the only mammals known to go through menopause.
The findings show that females of these whale species that experience menopause live around 40 years longer than other female whales of a similar size. By living longer without extending their “reproductive lifespan” (the years in which they breed), these females have more years to help their children and grandchildren without increasing the “overlap” period when they compete with their daughters by breeding and raising calves at the same time.
The study was carried out by the universities of York and Exeter, as well as the Center for Whale Research.
