Whales' Menopause: A Unique Evolutionary Advantage Menopause is rare in species other than humans and chimpanzees, but it's prevalent in five whale species. A recent study suggests that menopause may have given these whales an evolutionary edge by preventing resource conflicts between older and younger females. This finding challenges the traditional view of menopause as a side effect of aging. The study also highlights the importance of social structure and relatedness in the evolution of menopause. While the hypothesis is intriguing, it requires further research for conclusive evidence.