Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

xchrom

(108,903 posts)
Fri Mar 7, 2014, 08:21 AM Mar 2014

Teenage elephant mums die younger but are fitter

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/26436315



Elephants that give birth as teenagers die younger, but are fitter than mothers that delay, say scientists.

Researchers studied Asian elephants working in the timber industry in Myanmar, also known as Burma.

Mothers that gave birth younger were found to have larger families overall, and this greater genetic legacy is considered "high fitness".

Experts suggest a full understanding of the animals' reproductive health could reduce the strain on wild populations.
Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Environment & Energy»Teenage elephant mums die...