ESPE Yearbook of Paediatric Endocrinology

To read the full abstract: Journal of Human Evolution 2018;114:131-140

Whereas the age at onset of puberty in the chimpanzee is not of much concern to most of us, the results show an interesting aspect. On average, the first birth is delayed by 3.4 years after menarche. This period of 'emerging adulthood', should be included in models of apes, as well as human maturation where it lasts for 4-6 years after puberty. It is a period of relative infertility in the female’s brain, a period of maturation, learning intimacy and mutual support, intensification of pre-existing friendships, family-oriented socialization, and the attainment of those social skills that are needed for mating and reproduction. It was proposed that emerging adulthood is a life-history stage that is the foundation of the high reproductive success of human beings. The period of emerging adulthood has an evolutionary context and developmental markers, and emerging adults require protection because they are still learning and maturing.