Death in general speeds up evolution. Generally the shorter the lifespan, the higher the reproduction rate, and the faster the evolution. Evolution takes place

Death in general speeds up evolution. Generally the shorter the lifespan, the higher the reproduction rate, and the faster the evolution. Evolution takes place almost exclusively through reproduction and death (anyone not dead can reproduce, anyone dead who hasn't reproduced is a genetic failure, reproducing passes on their genes/characteristics/instincts to the next group). With an extinction where many species die, organisms that were already highly reproductive have a greater chance of one of their offspring living. So the characteristics of a strong desire to reproduce are passed on to survivors. Survivors who haven't died likely have lower lifespans due to difficult times, which psycologically encourages organisms to procreate. This is observed in humans in almost every country. As lifespans go up, fertility goes down. There's no need to reproduce if you're not dying soon.