16th March, 2024
CHIRANJIT MITRA
Menopause is when a female's ovaries stop releasing eggs, and her menstrual cycle (or its equivalent) ends. In humans, this brings on a range of physical changes.
These social whales can live up to 60 years, with females experiencing menopause around 40. Post-reproductive females play a vital role in leading their pods.
Killer whales can live an astonishing 80-90 years! Menopause begins around age 40, and these grandmothers are essential to their family's survival, sharing knowledge and resources.
Belugas can live for 70-80 years, with menopause occurring in their 40s. Like other whales, older females become leaders and teachers within their pods.
These Arctic whales can live up to 50 years, with menopause possibly occurring in their 30s or 40s. Research is ongoing, but their social structure suggests older females might play a guiding role.
Asian elephants can live for 60-70 years, with their reproductive period ending around age 50. Experienced matriarchs become the leaders of their elephant family groups.
Elephants can live to around 70. While menopause is less definitively proven in African elephants, older females likely take on leadership and caregiving responsibilities.
Humpback whales can live up to 50 years. Research suggests they might stop reproducing in their 40s, potentially entering menopause. However, further observation is needed.
These highly social dolphins can live up to 60 years. Studies show their reproductive years end in their 40s or 50s, indicating they experience menopause.
Risso's dolphins can live for around 40 years. Often covered in scars, older females demonstrate they have likely gone through menopause.
Bottlenose dolphins can live 50+ years. While some populations show reduced fertility in older females, it's unclear if they experience true menopause as defined in humans and other whales.