Study Finds Evolutionary Roots of Female Longevity Across Species

Recent research reveals that the longevity gap between women and men, averaging about five years globally, has deep evolutionary roots rather than being solely influenced by environment or lifestyle. A comprehensive study analyzing life expectancy across over 1,000 mammal and bird species found that female mammals generally live about 12 to 13% longer than males due to genetic advantages, specifically the presence of two X chromosomes that provide a protective effect against harmful mutations. In contrast, bird species show a reversed pattern where males live longer, related to their differing chromosomal structures. Furthermore, sexual selection and mating pressures also contribute to lifespan differences, indicating that reproductive strategies impact longevity beyond genetics alone. The persistence of these patterns even in controlled environments like zoos underscores biology as a primary driver of these disparities. Despite this, behavioral factors such as smoking and healthcare-seeking behavior also influence human lifespan differences, and there are potential ways men can reduce the gap.