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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

The Deese-Roediger-McDermott DRM Task: A Simple Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate False Memories in the Laboratory
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Promiscuous words.

Mark A Elgar1, Therésa M Jones, Kathryn B McNamara

  • 1Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia. m.elgar@unimelb.edu.au.

Frontiers in Zoology
|November 12, 2013
PubMed
Summary

The term "promiscuity" is often misused in animal behavior studies to describe multiple mating. Researchers suggest using specific terms like polygyny and polyandry for accurate scientific communication.

Area of Science:

  • Ethology and Animal Behavior
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Scientific Terminology

Background:

  • The term "promiscuity" is frequently, yet inaccurately, applied to describe multiple mating behaviors in animals, particularly in females.
  • This misapplication may stem from an anthropomorphic adoption of common language to enhance reader interest in scientific literature.
  • A survey of animal behavior journals revealed widespread inappropriate use of the term 'promiscuity'.

Discussion:

  • The incorrect use of "promiscuity" can obscure crucial aspects of animal mating strategies and their evolutionary significance.
  • Analysis indicated that papers using "promiscuous" were cited less frequently than those using "polyandrous," suggesting a potential negative impact on scientific visibility.
  • The term "promiscuity" is anthropomorphic, inaccurate, and potentially misleading when describing animal mating patterns.

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Key Insights:

  • "Promiscuity" should be reserved for describing indiscriminate mating behavior, aligning with its usage in other biological disciplines.
  • Accurate terminology is essential for conveying complex evolutionary strategies in animal mating.
  • Specific terms like "polygyny" (males mating with multiple females) and "polyandry" (females mating with multiple males) should be employed for precision.

Outlook:

  • Promoting precise scientific language enhances clarity and impact in ethological research.
  • Adopting standardized terminology will improve the accuracy and discoverability of studies on animal mating systems.
  • Future research should focus on the evolutionary drivers of mating strategies using precise, non-anthropomorphic language.