EPISODE · Jan 6, 2020 · 5 MIN
Whales Help Explain the Evolutionary Mystery of Menopause
from Science, Spoken · host SpokenLayer
There's a rare human trait that doesn't often make it into debates about what makes our species unique: menopause. Humans are among just a handful of species where females stop reproducing decades before the end of their lifespan. In evolutionary terms, menopause is intriguing: how could it be advantageous for reproductive ability to end before an individual's life is over? One possible answer: the power of the grandma's guidance and aid to her grandchildren. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
What this episode covers
There's a rare human trait that doesn't often make it into debates about what makes our species unique: menopause. Humans are among just a handful of species where females stop reproducing decades before the end of their lifespan. In evolutionary terms, menopause is intriguing: how could it be advantageous for reproductive ability to end before an individual's life is over? One possible answer: the power of the grandma's guidance and aid to her grandchildren.
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Whales Help Explain the Evolutionary Mystery of Menopause
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