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The benefit and the doubt: why monogamy?
1Division of Human Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, A Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|April 11, 2003
Summary
Monogamy is rare in mammals, evolving due to male mate-guarding, but often includes extra-pair mating. Humans exhibit social monogamy influenced by culture, though polygamy remains common.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Behavioral Ecology
- Mammalian Reproduction
Background:
- Monogamy, a mating system involving two partners, is infrequent in mammals (3-5%).
- This mating strategy can range from a single breeding period to lifelong bonds.
- Monogamy does not preclude extra-pair mating, which is common.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the evolutionary pressures and consequences of monogamy in mammals.
- To investigate the role of mate-guarding in the development of monogamous behaviors.
- To compare monogamous tendencies across different species, including humans.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of mating systems across mammalian species.
- Review of existing literature on monogamy, mate-guarding, and parental care.
- Examination of human social monogamy and cultural influences.
Main Results:
- Male mate-guarding is a primary driver for the evolution of monogamy.
- Monogamy favors male investment in offspring, common in birds but rare in mammals.
- Humans display social monogamy, reinforced by culture, despite not being strictly monogamous.
Conclusions:
- Monogamy is an evolutionarily unstable strategy with benefits and significant disadvantages.
- Cultural factors strongly influence the prevalence of monogamy in human societies.
- Human mating strategies are flexible, balancing monogamy and polygamy based on context.
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