Gorillas do it too!
It has oft been touted that only human females go through menopause making us the (defective?) exception to the mammalian rule. However it is now known that Gorillas go through menopause too.
Sue Margulis, Committee on Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago states “Menopause, as applied to humans, is defined as the cessation of menstruation that results from loss of ovarian activity followed by an extended post-reproductive lifespan. A number of theories have been proposed to explain the adaptive significance of such an extended post-reproductive lifespan, including the “grandmother” theory, and the “good mother” theory. Alternatively, post-reproductive lifespan has been interpreted as a recent and unavoidable consequence of living longer. ”
She goes on to say that ” Behavioral and hormonal studies have clearly demonstrated that menopause, and perimenopause, occur in gorillas, and that 25% or more of a females’ life may be post-reproductive”. The question posed it still why?
How about the ”Cycle of Life” theory? We all know woman are ruled by their “cycles”. The first 25% of our lives we spend as self-centered children and teenagers. The next 50% we are busy putting others first. How better than to spend the last 25% putting ourselves first again?
