Specifically the higher apes kept in captivity. Im guessing that in the wild they wouldnt live much longer than the fertile age. Can you imagine a Gorilla with PMS or mood swings?
2007-06-28 11:28:21 · 1 answers · asked by nutter2b 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Menopause in other species
Unlike humans, other animals rarely experience menopause. This may simply be due to their comparatively shorter lifespans. However, recent studies have shown menopause in gorillas, with an average age of 44 at onset.
The Grandmother hypothesis considers that the menopause arose in human evolution, because later life infertility could actually confer an evolutionary advantage by causing women to divert their attention away from any new offspring in order to free up time to help with the care of her existing children and grandchildren.
2007-06-29 16:17:05 · answer #1 · answered by Menehune 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋