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The evolution of masturbation is associated with postcopulatory selection and pathogen avoidance in primates
Matilda Brindle1,2, Henry Ferguson-Gow3, Joseph Williamson4
1Department of Anthropology, University College London, 14 Taviton Street, London WC1H 0BW, UK.
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|June 7, 2023
Summary
Masturbation is an ancient primate behavior. This study supports functional hypotheses, suggesting it offers adaptive benefits like improved fertilization and pathogen avoidance in male primates.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Primate behavior
- Animal sexual behavior
Background:
- Masturbation is observed across the animal kingdom, but its evolutionary fitness benefits remain debated.
- Hypotheses include non-functional explanations (pathology, byproduct of arousal) and functional (adaptive) explanations.
- Functional hypotheses include the Postcopulatory Selection Hypothesis and the Pathogen Avoidance Hypothesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary history and adaptive significance of masturbation in primates.
- To test functional hypotheses regarding the benefits of masturbation in male primates.
Main Methods:
- Documenting masturbation across the primate order.
- Utilizing phylogenetic comparative methods to analyze evolutionary pathways and correlates.
- Reconstructing the evolutionary history of masturbation within primates.
Main Results:
- Masturbation is an ancient trait in primates, becoming more prevalent in haplorhines after diverging from tarsiers.
- Phylogenetic analyses support both the Postcopulatory Selection and Pathogen Avoidance Hypotheses in male primates.
- Evidence suggests masturbation is an adaptive trait with macroevolutionary significance.
Conclusions:
- Masturbation in primates is likely an adaptive behavior with functional benefits.
- The study provides evolutionary support for both fertilization enhancement and pathogen reduction as drivers of masturbation.
- Masturbation plays a role in primate evolution at a macroevolutionary scale.
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