Humans rank above meerkats but below beavers in monogamy league table
10 hours ago
- #evolutionary anthropology
- #monogamy
- #mating systems
- Humans rank 7th out of 35 species on the monogamy scale, with a 66% rate of full siblings.
- The study analyzed genetic data to determine the proportion of full versus half-siblings across species.
- Monogamous species tend to have more full siblings, while promiscuous species have more half-siblings.
- Humans' monogamy levels vary across populations, from 26% to 100% full siblings in Neolithic sites.
- Chimpanzees and gorillas, close genetic relatives of humans, have very different, non-monogamous mating systems.
- Human monogamy likely evolved as a transition from non-monogamous group living, linked to paternal care.
- Experts debate whether human monogamy is natural or enforced by social and religious pressures.
- Monogamy in humans may be a counterstrategy to male infanticide, ensuring paternal investment and protection.
- The top monogamous species include the California deermouse (100%), African wild dog (85%), and Eurasian beaver (72.9%).
- The study highlights the diversity in mating systems across mammals and the unique position of humans.