Older orca mothers may protect their sons from bullying well into adulthood. Orca males carry fewer bite marks if their moms are alive in their old age, a study found. Moms may step in if their sons are in troubleTooth rake marks left behind on a Southern resident killer whale. David Ellifrit, Center for Whale ResearchThis new research, from the Universities of Exeter and York in the UK and the Center for Whale Research in Washington, suggests moms could be going even further for their sons. By protecting their sons, older females may be increasing the pod's chance of passing on its genes, while expending fewer resources.

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Persons: Charli Grimes, Michael Weiss, Grimes, David Ellifrit, Darren Croft Organizations: Service, University of Exeter, Southern, for Whale Research, Center, ​, Research, Exeter University, for, Universities of Exeter, Center for Whale Research Locations: Wall, Silicon, synchrony, Southern, York, Washington