Why do humans experience menopause? 🤔 It's a question many have pondered, especially women navigating its challenges. Surprisingly, we're not alone! Out of 5,000 mammals, just five species of toothed whales—including killer whales, beluga whales, and narwhals—are also known to have females that regularly live long after they stop reproducing.
A UK-led team of researchers dove deep into this phenomenon to discover why some whales evolved to get menopause—and what this could tell us about ourselves. By comparing these two groups, they unveiled fascinating insights into our shared evolutionary journey.
Despite our many differences, humans and these ocean giants share a \"convergent life history\" that led to the independent evolution of menopause, according to the study published in Nature on Wednesday.
Long Lifespans and Lifelong Wisdom
These female whales don't just outlive their reproductive years—they thrive! 🐋✨ They live roughly 40 years longer than other similar-sized whales and easily outlive males of their own kind. These extended lifespans may play a crucial role in their social structures, much like human grandmothers contribute wisdom and support in our communities.
This research not only sheds light on the evolutionary mystery of menopause but also highlights the incredible parallels between humans and some of the most majestic creatures of the sea. So next time you think about menopause, remember—it's a phenomenon that's been making waves for millions of years!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
