Grandmas and Pause
“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.” Why killer whales—and humans—evolved menopause.