Scientists say it is first evidence of non-human primates living substantial post-reproductive life
An older female chimpanzee carries her granddaughters. Urine samples from 66 female chimps also revealed hormonal changes similar to those seen in humans during the menopause.An older female chimpanzee carries her granddaughters. Urine samples from 66 female chimps also revealed hormonal changes similar to those seen in humans during the menopause.
The team found the probability of giving birth fell after chimpanzees reached 30 years old, and no births occurred in animals aged above 50. But previous studies have not found substantial numbers of wild female chimpanzees living in a post-reproductive state. The team say one possibility is that favourable conditions at Ngogo allow more females to live until older.
Yet questions remain. “It is not obvious how selection can favour the extension of lifespan past the point at which individuals can no longer reproduce,” said Dr Kevin Langergraber, co-author of the study at Arizona State University.
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