Hello and welcome to Curiosity Daily from Discovery, the best place to get smarter in just a few quick minutes.

My name's Nate.

We've got some really fun stories for you guys today.

My name is Callie.

Today you'll learn about how moms helped us evolve to live longer, the jumping leeches of Madagascar,

and how cities affect bird diversity.

Without further ado, let's satisfy some curiosity.

For all we talk about the differences and similarities between us humans and

our primate cousins, one difference has been puzzling

scientists for decades. Why do humans live so much longer than most other primates?

And for that matter, why do we live longer than most other mammals?

Hmm, I guess I'd never thought about it.

If I had to guess, it would probably have something to do with health care.

I mean, we have science and vaccines and medicines that keep us up and running a lot longer.

Like our lifespans have been increasing right along our scientific advancements, right?

Oh, definitely.

We also are able to cultivate the most nutritious foods and eat fruits and vegetables

all year long.

Science and nutrition are definitely a part of the calculus of human lifespan.

But here's the thing.

Science and nutrition aren't the only thing.

In fact, studies over the years have shown that our tendency towards a longer than normal lifespan likely started a very very long time ago and this new study proposes a possible factor for longevity.

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