Intense Mate competition May explain Shorter Male Lifespans, New Study Suggests
LONDON – A new study published in Science Advances suggests a link between the intensity of sexual competition and lifespan differences between males and females across various species. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute and other institutions have found that in species where males face fierce competition for mates, thay tend to have shorter lifespans than females – a pattern mirroring the human experience.
The research builds on the long-observed phenomenon of female longevity, often attributed to genetic factors like the double X chromosome in mammals (providing a “genetic safety net” against life-shortening mutations). However, this study highlights the notable role of evolutionary pressures related to mating strategies.
The findings reveal a striking correlation: among birds, where males in monogamous species don’t face the same competitive pressures, the lifespan advantage for males is more pronounced. Conversely, when male birds do compete for multiple mates – as seen in polygamous peacocks – that longevity advantage shrinks or disappears.
This pattern extends to mammals as well. Female howler monkeys,marmosets,and tamarins exhibit lifespans comparable to males,likely due to their monogamous mating habits. Conversely, male wolves, who tend to form long-term pair bonds, live longer than their female counterparts. A stark contrast is seen in chimpanzees, where competitive mating behavior results in female chimps living, on average, approximately 20% longer than males – around 34 years versus 28 years in captivity.
“The differences between the sexes are deeply rooted in evolutionary history,” the researchers conclude, suggesting these patterns are unlikely to change significantly despite advancements in modern medicine and public health. Data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics currently shows an average life expectancy of 78.8 years for men and 82.8 years for women, demonstrating that even with improved healthcare, women consistently outlive men.
The study underscores that while genetics play a role, the pressures of reproduction and mate acquisition, inherited from our distant ancestors, continue to influence lifespan disparities between the sexes.
