A new Cambridge University study has placed humans 7th among 35 mammal species on the monogamy scale. By analysing genetic data and comparing the number of full siblings to half-siblings, researchers found humans average 66% full siblings, suggesting a relatively high level of monogamous pairing.
We rank above meerkats and gibbons, but trail behind Eurasian beavers and moustached tamarins, with the California deermouse topping the list. At the opposite end, chimpanzees, dolphins and mountain gorillas showed very low monogamy levels.
Scientists believe human monogamy likely evolved as a unique strategy linked to paternal care and child survival. Still, cultural and social norms often influence human relationships as much as biology — making us monogamous overall, though far from perfect.
