Molly Webster

I love that we've gone from like the grandmother hypothesis, which feels so loving, to reproductive conflict.

Well, bear with me because in some ways it's maybe the opposite or it's maybe not quite what you think it's going to be.

I love that.

Go.

Okay.

And the theory itself is like a little bit convoluted, but the big idea is that there's a sort of subtle evolutionary calculation that

Hidden in the way chimpanzee females set up their families.

Then you hit like 12 or 13.

When you first get into that new family, you're not related to anybody around you.

You don't share genes with anyone.

Then you have one family member, your son, who does have your genes.

Those kids have your genes.

As you grow into an older female chimp.

Okay.

If you look at the larger group that the chimp female is part of.

Yeah, it's just how basic ecology works.

Right.

And so if you're this older female chimp and you're looking around, maybe there are like new young females that have just joined your family.

Oh.

So it's like Garbo and other older female chimps can contribute to the group and get a benefit themselves just by bowing out and doing their own thing.