Open AccessPostreproductive lifespans are rare in mammals
Author(s) -
Ellis Samuel,
Franks Daniel W.,
Nattrass Stuart,
Cant Michael A.,
Bradley Destiny L.,
Giles Deborah,
Balcomb Kenneth C.,
Croft Darren P.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.17
H-Index - 63
ISSN - 2045-7758
DOI - 10.1002/ece3.3856
Subject(s) - biology , longevity , trait , reproductive biology , reproductive success , evolutionary biology , population , life history theory , comparative biology , zoology , senescence , ecology , life history , demography , genetics , embryo , sociology , computer science , embryogenesis , programming language
A species has a post‐reproductive stage if, like humans, a female entering the adult population can expect to live a substantial proportion of their life after their last reproductive event. However, it is conceptually and statistically challenging to distinguish these true post‐reproductive stages from the usual processes of senescence, which can result in females occasionally surviving past their last reproductive event. Hence, despite considerable interest, the taxonomic prevalence of post‐reproductive stages remains unclear and debated. In this study we use life tables constructed from published data on wild populations of mammals, and statistical measures of post‐reproductive lifespans, to distinguish true post‐reproductive stages from artefacts of senescence and demography in 52 species. We find post‐reproductive stages are rare in mammals and are limited to humans and a few species of toothed whales. By resolving this long‐standing debate, we hope to provide clarity for researchers in the field of evolutionary biology and a solid foundation for further studies investigating the evolution and adaptive significance of this unusual life history trait.