Back فرضية الجدة Arabic Hipòtesi de l'àvia Catalan Großmutter-Hypothese German Hipótesis de la abuela Spanish فرضیه مادربزرگ Persian Isoäitihypoteesi Finnish Hypothèse de la grand-mère French Ipotesi della nonna Italian おばあさん仮説 Japanese Grootmoederhypothese Dutch
| External audio | |
|---|---|
 | |
 "Grandmothers Matter: Some surprisingly controversial theories of human longevity", Science History Institute |
The grandmother hypothesis is a hypothesis to explain the existence of menopause in human life history by identifying the adaptive value of extended kin networking. It builds on the previously postulated "mother hypothesis" which states that as mothers age, the costs of reproducing become greater, and energy devoted to those activities would be better spent helping her offspring in their reproductive efforts.[1] It suggests that by redirecting their energy onto those of their offspring, grandmothers can better ensure the survival of their genes through younger generations. By providing sustenance and support to their kin, grandmothers not only ensure that their genetic interests are met, but they also enhance their social networks which could translate into better immediate resource acquisition.[2][3] This effect could extend past kin into larger community networks and benefit wider group fitness.[4]
- ^ Pavard, Samuel; E. Metcalf, C. Jessica; Heyer, Evelyne (June 2008). "Senescence of reproduction may explain adaptive menopause in humans: A test of the 'mother' hypothesis". American Journal of Physical Anthropology. 136 (2): 194–203. doi:10.1002/ajpa.20794. PMID 18322919.
- ^ Dawkins, Richard (1976). The Selfish Gene. New York City: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-286092-7.[page needed]
- ^ Alexander, R.D. (1974). "The Evolution of Social Behaviour". Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics. 5: 325–83. doi:10.1146/annurev.es.05.110174.001545.
- ^ Campbell, B. (1971). Human Evolution: An Introduction to Man's Adaptations. Aldine. ISBN 0-202-02013-4.