article_snippet: It is probably one of the most peculiar aspects of human biology - that females of a certain age lose the ability to reproduce.
article_snippet: But scientists have discovered that killer whales - a species separated from humans by almost 94 million years of evolution - also suffer from the menopause.
article_snippet: The finding could provide clues as to why the menopause evolved in the first place.
article_snippet: The evolution of a trait that reduces the reproductive capability of a species has long baffled biologists and there are a number of theories for why it emerged in humans.
article_snippet: Now a team of researchers from the University of Exeter and the University of York may have unraveled the reason for the menopause - in killer whales at least.
article_snippet: a team of researchers from the University of Exeter and the University of York have found that the menopause - in killer whales at least frees up the older, more experienced females to lead a team of researchers from the University of Exeter and the University of York families in the search for food and so boost the ability of the entire group to survive.
article_snippet: The findings may now also help to explain why the menopause emerged in human populations - the menopause allowed older women to impart older women knowledge and help care for the younger members.
article_snippet: And that's when - in human evolution