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10 - Evolution of Human Reproduction, Ageing and Longevity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 November 2024

By
Samuel Pavard  and
Michael D. Gurven
Edited by
Jean-François Lemaître  and
Samuel Pavard
Jean-François Lemaître
Affiliation:
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)
Samuel Pavard
Affiliation:
National Museum of Natural History, Paris
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Summary

Lifespan is just one component of a species life history. To understand human longevity from an evolutionary perspective, it is important to consider the human species’ phylogenetic history and the evolution of the entire human life cycle. This chapter extends previous fundamental reviews in the light of recent findings, and with particular emphasis on the evolution of longevity of the human species. It first compares the primate life cycle to that of other terrestrial mammals, and highlights the evolution of the slow pace of life observed in primates. It then compares the life cycles of humans and other primates, emphasizing the peculiarities of the human life cycle. The chapter outlines the main theories explaining the evolution of these peculiar life history traits that occurred since the human-chimpanzee divergence, linking these to the evolution of human reproduction, ontogenesis, diet and cognition. It then emphasizes the pivotal roles of sociality and intergenerational transfers for understanding the joint evolution of the human life cycle, biology and cognitive, linguistic and social capabilities. Together, this finally allows a contemplation of the most probable scenario joint evolution of human reproduction, ageing and longevity.

Keywords

human evolutionhuman life historyintergenerational transfersobstetrical dilemmahuman ontogenyhuman lifespan
Type
Chapter
Information
The Biodemography of Ageing and Longevity , pp. 190 - 216
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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