News Animals

Killer whales follow postmenopausal leaders

Older females may aid kin survival with salmon hunting savvy

group of killer whales

MOVING ON  If traveling killer whales have a postmenopausal female in the lead, her long ecological experience may give them an edge in hunting salmon. 

David Ellifrit/Center for Whale Research

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

A clue to the evolution of menopause may come from older female killer whales who often take the lead in salmon hunts.