Final answer:
The Gompertz law of mortality states that men and women are equally likely to die, contradicting cultural stereotypes. This law applies to both genders and suggests that mortality risk is independent of gender.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Gompertz law of mortality is an empirical observation that states that the risk of death increases exponentially with age. This law applies to both men and women, indicating that they are equally likely to die. Despite cultural stereotypes suggesting that women are more biologically fragile, the Gompertz law supports the idea that mortality risk is independent of gender.