The value of an individual to the evolution of a species doesn't stop when they have their offspring. Long lifespans or intelligence may allow the formation of

The value of an individual to the evolution of a species doesn't stop when they have their offspring. Long lifespans or intelligence may allow the formation of culture and society, which improves the chances of survival of the group as it works together. Even individuals that have already had offspring still have value to the group in that they may allow the group to operate more effectively as a unit, increasing the likelihood that it (and thus the species) will thrive. I guess what I'm trying to say is that 'evolution' doesn't care about the individual... it 'cares' about the species. We think of 'evolving' in terms of mutations to individuals that get passed on via reproduction, but it's just as valid to look at 'mutations' in group behavior that make any given group more fit for survival. These mutations aren't passed on via genes... they are passed on as cultural norms within the group, with the aid of both intelligence and sufficient lifespans that allow offspring to learn from their parents. Groups with better cultural norms will enjoy more success than other groups. These other groups will either adapt the ideas, or they will be at a disadvantage and eventually lose out. Either way, the species will have 'evolved' in such a way as to improve it's chances of survival, even though no physical improvement was made and handed to offspring via genes. With this in mind, it's almost as if we are evolving more rapidly than ever. The sweeping changes to human culture (and technology, which is another vector to improve fitness of a group) over the last few centuries (new forms of government/economies/law/freedoms) has been extremely beneficial to the survival of the human species.