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 may be adaptive because increased childbearing risks at an older age, the likelihood of a mother not surviving until her children's independence, and investment dilution across too many offspring can all negatively impact offspring survival and the evolutionary success of the species.

Step-by-step explanation:

Evolutionary biologists suggest that menopause might be adaptive for several reasons. First, as women age, the risks of childbearing increase, which can affect both the mother's and the child's survival. Second, the likelihood that older mothers will not survive until their offspring reach independence suggests that older age fertility might not be beneficial for the species. Third, continuing to remain fertile can detract from the investment in current offspring, as resources may become stretched too thin, affecting the survival of existing children.

All these factors interact with natural selection, favoring genetic traits that encourage survival and successful rearing of offspring. Thus, answer '4) all of the above' forms the logical basis of the argument that menopause could be an adaptive evolutionary strategy.