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Just how monogamous are humans? Scientists break down how we compare with other animals
Humans rank seventh with 66% monogamy, exceeding chimpanzees and dolphins but below beavers, based on genetic sibling data from 94 societies, study finds.
- On Wednesday, the University of Cambridge team led by Mark Dyble reported humans average a 66% monogamy rating, ranking seventh of 11 socially monogamous species in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
- Using sibling proportions, the researchers built a computational model comparing full siblings vs half-siblings to calculate monogamy rates, with Dyble analyzing data from 94 human societies.
- Among species compared, beavers led with 72% monogamy, humans at 66%, and meerkats at 60%, with dolphins and chimpanzees at 4% and mountain gorillas at 6%.
- Borgerhoff Mulder cautioned that `It turns out that monogamous mating can drive significant inequalities among women`, highlighting the need for further testing of biparental care models.
- Together with prior multi-author work, the Cambridge analysis complements the May 22 UC Davis-led study, which analyzed data from 90 populations and over 100 researchers, in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Humans rank between meerkats and beavers in monogamy 'league table'
Humans are far closer to meerkats and beavers for levels of exclusive mating than we are to most of our primate cousins, according to a new University of Cambridge study that includes a table ranking monogamy rates in various species of mammal.
·United Kingdom
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Humans are unique but not exceptional species of mammal
Humans appear to resemble mammals that live in monogamous partnerships and to some extent, those classified as cooperative breeders, where breeding individuals have to rely on the help of others to raise their offspring.
·United States
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Total News Sources9
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution89% Center
Bias Distribution
- 89% of the sources are Center
89% Center
11%
C 89%
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