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comment by JakobVirgil
JakobVirgil  ·  4268 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: Are Humans Monogamous?

The size of the testes of human males suggest that human females are relatively monogamous. They are closer to those of Gorillas than those of the Chimps. This suggests to me reduced sperm competition in humans.

Human females on the other hand don't have a clear physical indicator to give insight into male monogamy. anecdotal accounts say less so. Although some studies suggest male cheat is on par with female infidelity.

Historically there have been more polygamous cultures than monogamous ones. (for what that is worth.)





theadvancedapes  ·  4267 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Testes size indicates that we are between the chimpanzee and gorilla - not closer to the gorilla. In fact, in terms of testes size to body size ratio we are closer to the chimp; gorillas have almost no testicles. I agree with you that sperm competition was reduced in our lineage - however, understanding the degree to which it was reduced is difficult. To me, our testicle size indicates that we evolved in a system where a minority of men had the ability to practice polygyny, with other males defaulting to monogamy (with infidelity) and/or serial monogamy.

JakobVirgil  ·  4267 days ago  ·  link  ·  

If the ratio of the testicle size to the size of the female (the most thoughtful metric as sexual dimorphism can be the cause of small equipment) is used we are much closer to Orangutans than anything else. (pan and gorilla are at freakish extremes) And as everyone knows they are bigamists (and in some instances rapists) human female fidelity and male promiscuity is the received wisdom. But if I remember right american male cheating is about 30% and female 15% and non- paternity is about 10% (I don't have the study in front of me.) Non-paternity in "mates for life species" tends to be around 30%. So humans are near saints when it comes to things sexual.