2007-03-16 02:12:39 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
I think so. I can see why you think the viability of genetic transmission may be in question. Here is what I think: Humans, as a species, will never be fully monogamous. The drive to exchange genes is so strong that the human species will always find ways and means to mate with many other people. I think that polygamy, for both men and women, is natural and the only reason people don't engage in it is because of social constructs against it. In other words, it takes mental power not to do it. In our culture, we call it "cheating" but everyone, men and women, have the drive to "cheat". Those that don't, force themselves not to. Hope this helps, bro.
2007-03-16 02:47:30 · answer #1 · answered by karateface 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would argue that it is the preferred path for humans. While it's great for alpha males to get around spreading the best possible genes, the types of males that do get around are far from what I would call alpha. Also, in humans, there is a strong need for parental guidance from a mother and a father for at least the first 18 years of life. Without a monogamous relationship, this becomes a difficult need to satisfy.
2007-03-16 02:32:50 · answer #2 · answered by Pfo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is.
Females who press their man to stay with them (at least for a few years) enhance the chance of their offspring surviving the vulnerable first years.
Males who stick with their female help their offspring (and so their own genes) in exactly the same way.
Males who frown upon their females to do 'it' with other men make sure that the offspring they raise is their own - and not somebody else's genes.
All these mechanisms ensure that genes of monogamous animals survive.
One prerequisite is that we are talking about animals where the children need some time to develop.
For animals whose children grow up in less time (like half a year) it's more profitable to stick together for that time and then find a new partner next year.
2007-03-16 02:23:06 · answer #3 · answered by mgerben 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Seems to work very well for the majority of bird species, so I'd say it's definitely a viable mating system strategy.
2007-03-16 03:57:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a very good question. I think the answer is no because frankly we want the humans with the fittest genes to outbreed the rest to accelerate evolution. That can only happen if the alpha males get to spread themselves around a bit.
2007-03-16 02:16:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋