Scientists Suspect Genetic Underpinnings to Human Monogamy

A groundbreaking study from a Harvard University team suggests that monogamy may be genetically programmed within some mammals.

Cute couple. Getty Images.

Evolutionary anthropology has for some time tried to understand what natural relationship pattern humans follow, if there is one. In his book Sex at Dawn psychologist Christopher Ryan posits that our prehistoric ancestors practiced multiple kinds of sexual and romantic relationships.

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C-Sections May be Altering the Course of Human Evolution

In some countries at least, the “obstetrical dilemma” has been solved by modern medicine.

 

Mother with her newborn child.

Caesarean sections have been performed for hundreds of years. Although named for the Roman Emperor, there is no evidence he was actually born this way. Traditionally, the procedure was performed in cases where the mother was dying, in order to save the child’s life. Today, around one-third of US births are C-sections.

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C-section childbirth cesarean section human evolution natural selection fetopelvic Philipp Mitteroecker Briana Pobiner natural birth