Question

Menopause is an unusual feature seen in humans and some whales that have matrilineal social systems (family groups led by older females), such as pilot whales and orcas. Menopause involves a complete and sudden cessation of reproduction function relatively early in a healthy female's life. In humans and in these whales, females completely cease reproduction about one-half to two-thirds of the way through their life spans, but continue to assist siblings, offspring, and grand-offspring for the rest of their lives. (In most other animals, females continue to reproduce as long as they are alive.)

What must B and C be for an older female to cease reproduction and instead care for her grand-offspring?

Answer 1

For an older female to cease reproduction and care for her grand-offspring, the factors of age at menopause and the presence of offspring and grand-offspring are important.

Step-by-step explanation:

For an older female to cease reproduction and instead care for her grand-offspring, two factors must be considered: B and C. B refers to the age at which menopause occurs, while C refers to the continued presence of offspring and grand-offspring that require care. In the case of menopause, it typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with an average age of 52. This is when the ovaries lose their sensitivity to hormones and no longer produce viable eggs. Additionally, the presence of offspring and grand-offspring is necessary for the older female to shift her focus towards caregiving, as it provides a reproductive advantage for the family group.