Friday, July 2, 2010

Whales and humans linked by 'helpful grandmothers'


BBC News, July 2, 2010

Scientists have discovered an evolutionary reason why humans and whales both have grandmothers. As post-menopausal females age, the researchers say, they become increasingly interested and helpful in rearing their "grandchildren".This could help explain why female great apes and toothed whales (cetaceans) have lifespans that extend long beyond their reproductive years.They report the findings in the Royal Society journal Proceedings B. Read more...