The Whale Menopause

11AM, RADIO 4

Unlike any other species except humans and short-finned pilot whales, female killer whales go through the menopause. This may just be an evolutionary accident, or it may be that nature realises the importance of grandmothers. By putting a stop on reproduction, older females can help to rear another generation. Here, Victoria Gill and a team of scientists look into the importance of the matriarch whale.

Matthew McNulty (2.15pm, R4)