Killer whale mothers live longer lives in order to protect their sons, a study has found. Females give birth in their thirties but can live for a further 50 years after having their offspring. Scientists from the University of Exeter used long-term records to identify possible reasons for this long non-reproductive phase of life.
They found that the presence of mothers ensured greater survival of adult sons to breeding age.
The findings are published in the journal Science. Read full article.
