The life history characteristics of our closest relatives, the
hominoids (e.g. chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas) is particularly
exaggerated towards later sexual maturity and longer
life expectancy relative to the rest of the primate order.
That general pattern resulted in extreme degrees of parental
care over long developmental periods. However, humans
have an even more extreme pattern. We dedicate more time
and energy towards growth than any other primate species.
The life history consequences are dramatic, as more investment
in growth pushes reproduction back further, and
significantly lengthens our evolved maximum lifespan.
Whereas orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees sexually
mature between 8-10 and have an evolved lifespan between
40-50, most humans reach full sexual maturity between
18-20 and have an evolved average life expectancy ~80
(Table 1).