Happy Mother’s Day! Orcas live in one of the most mother-centered societies on Earth. Pods are led by the oldest female, whose decades of knowledge guide the group to food and safety. Male orcas live a fraction of the lifespan of females and spend virtually their entire lives by their mother’s side. Even full-grown bulls rarely stray far from mum, making them contenders for the biggest mama’s boys on Earth! Orcas are one of a surprisingly small handful of species, alongside humans, that go through menopause. Usually, mammals reproduce until death. Scientists believe menopause only evolves when an elder female’s other contributions are so significant that stopping reproduction is actually the better deal for the species. For orcas, the grandmother becomes a leader, her wisdom guiding the survival of the entire pod. So whether you are a mother, a grandmother, or a matriarch of any kind, today is for you! Photo by mitty, a talented mother herself. #OceanSchool #MothersDay #Orca #Ex...