Question

Some evolutionary biologists have argued that menopause is adaptive. Which statement(s) below help form the logical basis of their argument?

1) Risks of child bearing increase with age
2) Older mothers are unlikely to survive until offspring reach independence
3) Remaining fertile detracts from investment in current offspring
4) All of the above

Answer 1

Menopause is considered adaptive because it prevents older women from undergoing risky late-age pregnancies, ensures they can provide long-term parental care without the increasing health risks associated with advanced maternal age, and allows them to focus their resources on existing offspring rather than potential new ones.

Step-by-step explanation:

The logical basis for the argument that menopause is adaptive in evolutionary biology can be found in several factors surrounding female reproductive system and aging. These factors include: the risks of childbearing increasing with age, the reduced likelihood of older mothers to survive until their offspring become independent, and the detriment to investment in current offspring if a mother remains fertile, as energy and resources would have to be divided between existing offspring and potential new offspring. Therefore, the correct answer is: 4) All of the above.

Risks associated with late-age pregnancies include complications for both the mother and the child, and an older mother's waning physical ability makes it less likely for her to give sufficient long-term parental care. This emphasizes the importance of focusing her limited resources on the young she already has. Thus, menopause can be seen as an evolutionary strategy to optimize the survival and welfare of existing children.