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Study Reveals Women Live Longer Due to Evolution

10/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Max Planck Institute-led study across 1,176 species finds women live longer due to evolutionary factors.
Among mammals, 72% of females live 13% longer than males.
In birds, 68% of males outlive females by about 5%.
The heterogametic sex hypothesis links two X chromosomes in females to mutation protection.
Zoo studies indicate environmental factors reduce, but do not eliminate, lifespan gaps.

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Story summary

Max Planck Institute-led study across 1,176 species finds women live longer due to evolutionary factors.
Among mammals, 72% of females live 13% longer than males.
In birds, 68% of males outlive females by about 5%.
The heterogametic sex hypothesis links two X chromosomes in females to mutation protection.
Zoo studies indicate environmental factors reduce, but do not eliminate, lifespan gaps.