A recent study published by the University of Cambridge in the UK compared the reproductive behaviors of 35 mammal species, measuring the extent to which they practice monogamy (single mate system). The results show that humans rank 7th, belonging to the top group but trailing behind six other animals such as beavers and African wild dogs.
According to a report by The Guardian on the 10th, scientists have previously proposed rates of monogamy among humans and animal populations. However, Cambridge evolutionary anthropologist Mark Dyble wanted to understand how humans compare to other mammals in terms of monogamy rates, so he conducted this study.
The research analyzed multiple genetic data sets of animals and humans, calculating the ratios of full siblings (same father and mother) and half siblings (different fathers or mothers). Generally, a higher degree of monogamy is indicated by a higher proportion of full siblings, while more open mating relations may yield higher rates of half-siblings. Dyble said that humans firmly sit among the highest monogamy species, whereas the vast majority of mammals adopt more promiscuous mating patterns.
The study examined data from over 100 human populations, with some data dating back as far as the Neolithic era. The results found significant differences in monogamy rates among these human groups. The lowest rate was found at a Neolithic site in Cotswold, England, where only 26% of children were full siblings (same father and mother). However, in four Neolithic settlements in northern France, this rate was 100%.
● The Champion is the California Deer Mouse
When humans are compared with 34 other mammal species, ranked by full sibling percentage, the champion is the California deer mouse, with a full sibling rate of 100%. Humans have a rate of 66%, ranking 7th, behind beavers (ranked 6th) at 73%. This beats the white-handed gibbon at 63.5% and meerkats at about 60%.
Among the top eleven in this ranking, all are considered monogamous species; the bottom 24 are considered non-monogamous. Animals with lower rankings include wildcats, bottlenose dolphins, and genetically close human relatives such as chimpanzees and mountain gorillas; last place goes to Soay sheep, with a full sibling rate of only 0.6%.
This study report was published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences. (Source: Liberty Times)