Scientists reveal the surprising reason why women live longer than men

Comparing zoo and wild populations showed that the gaps were often smaller in zoos but rarely disappeared, they found. Overall, the new study, published in the journal Science Advances, shows sex differences in lifespan are deeply rooted in both genetics and evolutionary processes. Differences between the sexes are not only a product of the environment, but part of our evolutionary history – and will most likely continue to exist in the future. However, Dr Colchero says there are likely social and behavioral factors not considered in this study that could also play a role.