The Mystery of Menstruation: Why Do Some Animals Menstruate?

🌙Menstruation evolved as a mechanism to address the evolutionary conflict of interests between a mother and her fetus.

🔬The placenta, which connects to the mother's blood supply, plays a role in the biological tug-of-war during pregnancy.

💔Menstruation allows the body to screen and eliminate embryos that may pose risks or have failed the test of implantation.

💥The endometrium, the lining of the uterus, is shed during menstruation, removing any unfertilized eggs or sick embryos.

🌍Menstruation is a unique trait that sets humans apart and ensures the continuation of the human race.

Why do only a few mammals menstruate?

—Menstruation is a result of the evolutionary conflict between a mother and her fetus. Not all mammals have evolved this mechanism to address the conflict.

What role does the placenta play in menstruation?

—The placenta, which connects to the mother's blood supply, allows the fetus to extract nutrients and hormones from the mother, contributing to the biological tug-of-war during pregnancy.

Why does the body shed the endometrial lining during menstruation?

—Shedding the endometrial lining allows the body to eliminate any unfertilized eggs, sick embryos, or embryos that have failed the test of implantation, ensuring a healthy continuation of the human race.

How does menstruation contribute to the continuation of the human race?

—Menstruation is a protective process that removes any potential risks or embryos that may pose harm to the mother. This allows for the selection and survival of healthy embryos, ensuring the continuation of the human race.

Is menstruation necessary for reproduction?

—Menstruation is not necessary for reproduction. However, it evolved as a mechanism to address the conflict of interests between a mother and her fetus, allowing for the selection and survival of healthy embryos.

00:06Menstruation is a mysterious trait found in a few species on Earth.

00:33The evolutionary conflict of interests between a mother and her fetus plays a role in menstruation.

01:32The placenta, which connects to the mother's blood supply, contributes to the biological tug-of-war during pregnancy.

02:55Menstruation allows the body to screen and eliminate embryos that may pose risks or have failed the test of implantation.

04:00Shedding the endometrial lining during menstruation ensures a healthy continuation of the human race.