Human reproduction and health: an evolutionary perspective
Grazyna Jasienska1, Richard G Bribiescas2, Anne-Sofie Furberg3
1Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
Lancet (London, England)
|August 10, 2017
Summary
Life history theory links reproductive investment to disease risk and longevity. Understanding how ecological factors influence reproductive traits can inform public health strategies for non-communicable diseases.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Public health
Background:
- Life history theory posits that reproductive investment impacts disease risk and longevity.
- Reproductive traits exhibit plasticity, influenced by ecological factors like nutrition and activity.
- Hormonal changes throughout life affect disease susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between reproductive investment and non-communicable disease risk from an evolutionary perspective.
- To highlight the role of phenotypic plasticity in reproductive trait variation.
- To inform public health interventions for hormone-sensitive diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of life history theory and evolutionary biology principles.
- Analysis of associations between reproductive traits, environmental factors, and disease incidence.
- Synthesis of current understanding of hormonal influences on health.
Main Results:
- Increased reproductive investment is linked to higher risks of certain cancers, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
- Ecological conditions significantly modulate reproductive hormone concentrations and traits.
- Decreasing fertility trends correlate with rising incidence of hormone-sensitive cancers.
Conclusions:
- An evolutionary framework for reproductive biology can enhance public health strategies.
- Managing environmental and lifestyle factors influencing reproductive function may mitigate disease risk.
- Further research into the interplay of reproduction, environment, and health is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Overview of the Reproductive System
6.3K
The reproductive system generates offspring, ensuring the survival of the species. In humans, the reproductive system is complex and involves a variety of organs and hormones that work together to ensure successful reproduction.
The gonads, or primary reproductive organs, produce gametes and sex hormones. In males, the testes produce spermatozoa and testosterone, which is responsible for developing secondary male sex characteristics, including a deeper voice, larger muscles, facial and body...
The gonads, or primary reproductive organs, produce gametes and sex hormones. In males, the testes produce spermatozoa and testosterone, which is responsible for developing secondary male sex characteristics, including a deeper voice, larger muscles, facial and body...
6.3K
01:20Evolutionary Psychology
1.1K
Evolutionary psychology explores the origins of human behavior and mental processes by framing them within the context of natural selection, a theory famously propounded by Charles Darwin. This field asserts that many behaviors common across human societies — ranging from instinctive fear reactions to complex social interactions — arose as evolutionary adaptations. These adaptations enhanced the survival and reproductive success of our ancestors, thereby becoming embedded in the...
1.1K
01:23Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective
390
In a study where individuals posing as strangers offered compliments and proposed casual sex to students, the responses differed significantly based on gender. Not a single woman accepted the proposal, while 70% of the men agreed. This outcome provides a useful scenario to explore through the lens of evolutionary psychology and social learning theory, highlighting the diverse perspectives on human sexual behaviors.
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
390
01:06Natural Selection and Mating Preferences
610
The principle of natural selection posits that organisms better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. This principle is closely intertwined with mating preferences, a key aspect of sexual selection, which evolutionary psychologists believe is driven by instincts to propagate one's genes. Such instincts significantly influence mating behaviors and preferences between genders.
Females, due to their biological roles in conception, pregnancy, and nursing,...
Females, due to their biological roles in conception, pregnancy, and nursing,...
610
02:45The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes
9.9K
In most organisms, sex is determined by the ratio of X and Y chromosomes. However, in some organisms, such as Drosophila and C.elegans, sex is determined by the ratio of the number of X chromosomes to the number of sets of autosomes. The Y chromosome in Drosophila is active but does not determine sex. It contains genes responsible for the production of sperms in adult flies.
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female...
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female...
9.9K
01:28Human Genetics
1.7K
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
1.7K