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Evolution explains why women live longer than men
Analysis of 1,176 species shows females live 12% longer in mammals while males live 5% longer in birds, driven by evolution, mating strategies, and genetics.
- On October 1, the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology team published in Science Advances the most comprehensive lifespan analysis of 1,176 bird and mammal species in zoos worldwide.
- The study argues that genetic systems drive much of the pattern, as the heterogametic sex hypothesis points to differences in sex chromosomes; in mammals, females' two X chromosomes may protect against harmful mutations while males have one X and one Y.
- In most species of mammal, females live longer by about 12 percent in 72 percent of mammal species, while males live about five percent longer in 68 percent of bird species.
- Researchers found that mating systems influence lifespan gaps, with differences smallest in monogamous species and females living longer in polygamous mammals due to greater parental investment.
- Despite improved living conditions and medicine, zoo populations show smaller lifespan gaps, but differences often persist even without environmental pressures such as predation or harsh climates.
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Just like humans, females in almost every other mammal live longer than males. This is evident from new scientific research. "In 80 percent of mammal species, females live longer," says researcher Zjef Pereboom. "But it's not the case for all species: in birds, males live longer."
·Antwerp, Belgium
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Women live longer than men, a trend that is found in almost all the world and in all historical periods. Although the gender gap has narrowed in...
A new study from Leipzig sheds light on the mystery of why women live longer than men. After analysing the data of more than 1000 animal species, the researchers come to the conclusion that the cause seems to be deeply rooted in evolution.
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Total News Sources48
Leaning Left8Leaning Right9Center11Last UpdatedBias Distribution39% Center
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources are Center
39% Center
L 29%
C 39%
R 32%
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