Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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Why do Female Mammals Live Longer than Males? It is well known that women usually live longer than men. But more than that, female mammals in general also do so. The answer lies in deeply rooted evolutionary history. Research has revealed that in mammals, 72% of females Live on average 13% longer that males, While studies on birds show the opposite; That 68% of male birds outlive females by about 5 %. Mammalian males are the heterogametic sex, Having an X and Y chromosome, While females have two X chromosomes, Making females more protected from lethal mutations And thus a survival advantage. In birds the female is the heterogametic sex And thus the male lives longer. However, there are exceptions such as with birds of prey. Females are larger and longer-lived than males, Rendering chromosomes as only one factor. Following from the facts above, polygamous, Competing male mammals generally die earlier as well. Monogamous male birds with lower competitive pressure Often live longer. Parental care by female mammals, raising young, tend to live longer. Long-lived species such as primates see the female living longer. These are adaptive for survival of those species. Should male humans start thinking about marrying older women? This would even out the widows who sit alone--unless they wish to! Frank Maurer 3 October 2025 1830 Hours.