Why do killer whales go through menopause? Mother-daughter conflict is key
Thursday, January 12, 2017 - 13:41
in Biology & Nature
Killer whales are one of only three species that are known to go through menopause, surviving long after they've stopped reproducing. Those older females play an essential role in helping their younger family members to find food and survive even in lean times. But, researchers report in a new study, the reason older females stop reproducing has more to do with conflict between mothers and their daughters than it does with cooperation.