All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Write a note in 150 words:
Evolutionary significance of menopause.

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2025 (Prelims) CSAT Official Paper (25-May-2025)

Menopause, the unique cessation of female fertility long before the end of the natural lifespan, presents an intriguing evolutionary puzzle. While seemingly counterintuitive for maximizing direct reproduction, its persistence suggests an adaptive significance rooted in enhancing inclusive fitness.

The leading explanation is the Grandmother Hypothesis. This theory posits that post-reproductive women (grandmothers) increase their genetic legacy not by having more children themselves, but by shifting investment to support their existing offspring and, critically, their grandchildren. By providing childcare, sharing gathered food, and transmitting valuable ecological knowledge, grandmothers enhance the survival and reproductive success of their daughters' children. This indirect contribution improves overall kin survival, allowing daughters to have more children or shorten inter-birth intervals.

Another related idea is the "Mother Hypothesis," where stopping reproduction at a certain age avoids the increased risks of late-life pregnancies and childbirth, allowing the mother to focus on the survival of already-born, vulnerable offspring. Ultimately, menopause is viewed as an adaptive strategy, contributing to the long-term success of human lineage through cooperative breeding and kin selection.

Answered By:

Sarvesh Jha

Sarvesh Jha is a seasoned government exam mentor with firsthand success in top exams like IBPS PO, SBI PO, CDS, RRB JE, SSC CGL, BPSC, and CTET. Known for his deep conceptual clarity and strategic approach, he has guided over 5000 students through personalized mentorship. He has been creating well researched content for last 5 years.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Write a note in 150 words:
    Foetal origin of adult diseases and contribution of David Barker.

  2. What are genetic markers ? Discuss their applications in understanding population variation, disease association and forensics.

  3. "The agenda of biological anthropology became more scientific from the middle of the twentieth century." Justify.

  4. Describe briefly the theoretical perspectives in linguistic anthropology to explain the relationship of culture, language and thought.

  5. How the study of variation in forms of marriage led to rethinking on the concepts of social reproduction, kinship and family?

  6. What are the major theories proposed in support of the origin of food production? How the change in subsistence economy brought revolution during this period? 

  7. Critically discuss the centrality of the African continent in the narrative of human evolution.

  8. How the theories of postmodernism are relevant in promoting social justice and empowerment of marginalised communities?

  9. Genome-wide Disease Association Studies (GWAS) advanced our understanding of health and disease.' Discuss.

  10. Examine the utility of human remains in forensic analysis. Discuss the facial reconstruction technique.


Important Questions from Miscellaneous

  1. How will you manage a case of misplaced copper-T (Cu-T)? 

  2. Describe the embryogenesis, clinical features and principles of management of cleft palate.

  3. Write short notes in 150 words:
    Metagenesis

  4. Write short notes in 150 words:
    Book lungs

  5. Write short notes in 150 words:
    Paedomorphosis

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
UPSC IFoS
November 22, 2026
UPSC SO Steno
December 12, 2026
Test Series
IAS img
UPSC
UPSC CSE (IAS) 2027 Prelims Mock Test Series
662 Tests 3 Tests Free
1707 Attempts
4.8(203)
English, Hindi
More Questions from IAS

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App