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[Cazikins]

Just seen this article on the BBC website - might be interseting.

Scientists from Exeter and York University are studying the evolution of the menopause, and have found clues to its origin in killer whales.
Humans and orca are two of only three species that evolved to stop having babies half-way through their lives - something even great apes and long-lived elephants do not do. While some have suggested that menopause is a side-effect of our own greater longevity, researchers say that orcas could hold the key to what's been a long-standing evolutionary mystery.
BBC science reporter Victoria Gill joined the scientists on an unusual whale-watching trip of the North Pacific Coast.
Filmed and edited by David Cheeseman and Victoria Gill
Hear more on this story and the BBC's encounter with the Southern Resident orca on The Whale Menopause, BBC Radio 4, Wednesday at 2100 BST
Read more
Can orcas ever be healthy in captivity?
Whales and humans linked by 'helpful grandmothers'


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37025088

[dazned]

Yes I saw it! They have studied a pod/families in the wild for 40years ,the conclusion they have come to is that its essential for the older females to nnot be able to reproduce anymore so they can hunt thus leaving the younger mothers to fully look after the offspring !

Im off now to forage ........

[ancient runner]

Does that mean I can go out and hunt people down?
I could get to like this...

[CLKD]

Anyone in particular Ancient runner ?    .  I could soon make a list.

Wonder what the 3rd species would be?  Interesting study to propose and to take part in   â€¦â€¦â€¦   wonder who Funded it, may have the energy to read the Link later. 

Next query then: do orca get VA 

[babyjane]

Saw this on the lunchtime news.  I think the third species was one of the great apes

[flutterby]

Maybe it's the whales' hot flushes that are melting the polar ice caps   
Seriously though, must listen to it
Flutterby

[Tempest]

How very interesting! And yeah, CLKD - I wonder if they do get VA?!?

I really think I should be allowed to go out and hunt folk down too - I've got quite a list, and it's growing a lot lately......

[Dorothy]

Saw this on the lunchtime news.  I think the third species was one of the great apes

I heard it on the news at work today & they said 'two marine species', but didn't mention what the other one was. But they specifically said that apes and elephants can breed up to the end of their lives.

[Kathleen]

Hello ladies.

The lunchtime news  reported that the scientists had been closely following the whales from their boat.  If I was  a menopausal Orca they'd do well keep their distance!

Take care all.

K.

[CLKD]

 

[Dorothy]

 

Maybe they don't get symptoms so badly - all that sea water must help cool down hot flushes!

[Lizab]

Well then. Now we can guess why whales sometimes beach themselves! They're menopausal and trying to escape for a bit of fresh air.

[Cazikins]

I feel like a beached whale sometimes I must admit 


Did anyone listen to it tonight? - bu**er I forgot. Hopefully there maybe a link tomorrow.

[CLKD]

Maybe males don't like older orca  so head for the younger models 

[Cazikins]

Maybe males don't like older orca  so head for the younger models 

They don't know what they are missing then - I've got myself a younger male bull