Menopausal female whales live decades longer, than others, study finds [Video]

Some whales that experience menopause can live nearly 40 years longer than others of similar size, according to a new study that sheds more light on the biology of ageing.

Researchers assessed five whale species – short-finned pilot whales, false killer whales, killer whales, narwhals, and beluga whales – which are the only mammals other than humans known to go through menopause.

Females in these species are known to outlive the males, scientists said, citing the example of female killer whales that can live into their 80s, while males are typically dead by 40.

The new study found that menopause in toothed whales evolved by natural selection to increase the total lifespan of females of the species without also extending their reproductive lifespan.

By living longer without an extension of the …