A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Exeter, published in the journal Nature, has shed light on why certain female whale species, including belugas and narwhals, live significantly longer than others. The key factor identified is menopause, a phenomenon that extends the lifespan of female whales, allowing them to live about 40 years longer than males and other toothed whales which do not experience menopause.

Professor Darren Croft, along with lead researcher Dr. Sam Ellis, have explored the social and evolutionary implications of menopause in whales, noting its rarity among mammals. Out of over 5,000 mammal species, only six, including certain whale species and humans, undergo menopause. The research highlights how menopause enables female whales to become grandmothers who provide essential support to their families, such as sharing food and knowledge, which increases the group’s survival chances.

This extended post-reproductive life phase is linked to the complex social structures of whale populations, where older females play a crucial role in guiding and sustaining their groups, particularly in challenging environmental conditions. The findings draw interesting parallels between the societal roles of menopausal females in whale species and humans, portraying the evolutionary advantage of living beyond the reproductive years.

The study provides insights into the evolutionary reasons behind menopause, suggesting that it may have evolved to reduce reproductive competition among generations and to maximize the survival of offspring through the support of knowledgeable and experienced matriarchs. The research project was supported by funding from the Leverhulme Trust and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).