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The human post-fertile lifespan in comparative evolutionary context.

Daniel A Levitis1, Oskar Burger, Laurie Bingaman Lackey

  • 1University of Southern Denmark. levitis@biology.sdu.dk

Evolutionary Anthropology
|April 16, 2013
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Human females have a distinct post-fertile lifespan (PFLS) due to unique socioecology, contrasting with a widespread cross-species pattern. This study reconciles these views by differentiating between general post-fertile viability and a derived hominin life stage.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Anthropology
  • Gerontology
  • Comparative biology

Background:

  • Two conflicting views exist on the evolution of human females' post-fertile lifespan (PFLS).
  • Anthropology emphasizes adaptive processes and human-specific socioecology for lengthy PFLS.
  • Gerontology and comparative biology view PFLS as a widespread trait predictable by life-history allometries, questioning human-specific explanations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To reconcile the divergent anthropological and gerontological perspectives on human PFLS.
  • To address misconceptions arising from the separation of research communities.
  • To clarify the distinct yet related traits underlying post-reproductive lifespan.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of anthropological and gerontological literature.
  • Identification and analysis of misconceptions in PFLS research.
  • Conceptual differentiation of post-fertile viability and post-fertile life stage.

Main Results:

  • Human PFLS research is divided by disciplinary perspectives, leading to persistent misconceptions.
  • Anthropological focus on socioecology and gerontological focus on cross-species patterns address different phenomena.
  • The concept of "post-reproductive lifespan" conflates a widespread trait (viability) with a derived one (hominin life stage).

Conclusions:

  • Both anthropological and gerontological views offer valid insights into PFLS.
  • Distinguishing between post-fertile viability and a derived post-fertile life stage is crucial.
  • Understanding human life-history evolution requires recognizing the interplay between these two distinct traits.