Summary
Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology studied lifespan differences between male and female mammals and birds across 1,176 species. They found that in mammals, females typically live longer than males, while in birds, males often outlive females. Factors such as genetic differences, reproductive strategies, and parental care help explain these patterns.
Key Facts
- Researchers analyzed lifespan data for 1,176 species, including mammals and birds.
- In mammals, about 72% of females live, on average, 13% longer than males.
- In birds, 68% of species show males living about 5% longer than females.
- The study mentions the "heterogametic sex hypothesis," which suggests genetic differences in sex chromosomes may affect lifespan.
- Reproductive strategies impact lifespan, with males in competitive, polygamous species often dying younger.
- Parental care influences lifespan, as species investing more in offspring care, like females in many mammals, often live longer.
- Lifespan gaps between genders persist even in zoo environments, although they are reduced.
- Some exceptions to these general patterns exist, such as certain birds of prey where females are both larger and longer-lived than males.
