The rarity of their grandparents

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There is a branch of Biology specifically focused on studying human evolution in conjunction with Mathematics. Biomathematics allows scientists to test their assumptions quickly and without interference from other variables. From cell reproduction to species evolution, many aspects of Biology can be analyzed biomathematically. Even your grandmother.

What you may not have imagined is that these traditional, beloved, and active members in raising grandchildren are rare in nature, according to research by zoologist and professor of Biomathematics at the University of Oxford, Michael Bonsall. Only elephants, some species of whales, and some primates have similar family structures, with grandparents present in the upbringing of younger generations. However, from an evolutionary perspective, there must be some kind of benefit for these grandparents to do this.

In an interview with the Oxford science blog, the researcher commented that he developed a formula that tests the advantages and disadvantages of this family structure compared to others, such as the parental and cooperative structures. "The language and mathematical techniques allow us to determine whether our assumptions will hold up with experiments or empirical observation."

Bonsall's research suggests that an intersection between ecology and phylogeny (the study of the evolutionary relationship between groups of organisms) may have played a role in the formation of such an unusual family structure. "Although rare, grandparents play an important role, creating stronger bonds. Compared to other structures, this allows for successful reproductive futures for at least two generations, thus creating a stronger genetic pool ."

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