The Evolution of Menopause
Menopause is an evolutionary puzzle. From a purely reproductive standpoint, ceasing the ability to have offspring midway through life is a rare strategy in the animal kingdom, observed prominently in humans and a few species of toothed whales. Why this trait emerged and persisted in select species remains a key unanswered question.
This research area will investigate the evolutionary drivers of menopause through comparative genomics. By analyzing multi-species genomic and transcriptomic data, we aim to uncover the specific genetic changes and molecular pathways that distinguish species with menopause from those that reproduce throughout their lives. This evolutionary perspective will provide fundamental insights into the genetic architecture of reproductive longevity and the unique biological trade-offs that have shaped human aging.