Biology/Sexual Maturity
Advertisement
Question
I realized that humans reach sexual maturity around 12-14 years of age for both sexes-which seems like a really long time for a rather defenseless animal. What is the top 5 longest time period between birth and sexual maturity of other animals? How do we rank with other primates?
Thank you!
Hi Virginia: Thanks for your question.
Humans have a very long span between birth and sexual maturity, but they are not the longest. Elephants reach sexual maturity at about 8 years but don't reproduce until they're 15 or so.
I did some searching on the internet to answer your question and came up with some interesting results:
At the bottom is a link to a database. Just enter the species (or common name) of what you’re searching.
Human 156 months (13 years)
Gorilla 96 months (8 years)
Chimpanzee 84 months (7 years)
http://article.pubs.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/ppv/RPViewDoc?issn=0831-2796&volume=48&issue=...
Bowhead whale 20 YEARS
http://genomics.senescence.info/species/entry.php?species=Balaena_mysticetus
Database with this information
http://genomics.senescence.info/species/
I hope this answer has helped you. Please write back if you have more questions.
FM Rollwagen, PhD
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you for your response. As any good teacher would, you answered the question but also gave me the directions to continue exploring my question! | ||
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Florence M Rollwagen
Expertise
I can answer questions in biology, microbiology and immunology on the undergraduate or graduate level. I can also address medical and health concerns regarding alternative medicine, autoimmune diseases (lupus, MS) liver disease and intestinal problems.
Experience
I have over 20 years experience in research and teaching at the medical/graduate level, and 5 years teaching college biology and microbiology. My expertise is in microbiology and immunology, specifically the biology of cytokines and soluble immune response modifiers. I also carried out original research in blood substitutes and shock/trauma.
Organizations
American Association of Immunologists (AAI)
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Publications
Journal of Experimental Medicine, Journal of Immunology, Cytokine, Shock, Experimental Hematology
Education/Credentials
BS biology 1966
MS biology 1968
PhD immunology 1979
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.