FunNature & AnimalPromiscuity slows down evolution

Promiscuity slows down evolution

As Charles Darwin already established with his theory of evolution, new species of living beings are born when the mechanism of natural selection favors the traits of certain individuals, genetically transmitted to their offspring. In this phenomenon, known as speciation , geographic isolation and adaptation to the environment play a fundamental role.

Although it seems that one of the factors that also come into play is the greater or lesser promiscuity between the members of the species , as has been highlighted by new research led by the Center for Evolution at the University of Bath, in England.

After analyzing the genetic structure of various populations of waders over time, the scientists observed that the most promiscuous birds (that is, those that procreated with more than one partner during a season ), had less DNA diversity than the birds with monogamous habits. And this is a surprise, because it completely contradicts the most widespread hypothesis , according to which species with less sexual “monotony” acquire greater genetic variability – they mix more – and, therefore, multiply their possibilities to diversify.

In reality, promiscuous birds – explain the researchers in the journal Evolution – dilute these genetic differences by looking for new partners to mate in different geographical points . On the contrary, monogamous specimens do not move from the breeding place throughout the season, which reinforces their adaptation to the environment and, consequently, the chances of developing their own traits until they become a new species.

Tamás Székely, supervisor of the investigation, explains it this way: “Promiscuous birds sometimes travel hundreds of kilometers to find a mate to their liking . In Madagascar, we have observed that the plovers with this behavior were similar from the point of view of their DNA throughout the island, while the monogamous ones showed different genetic compositions even between nearby locations ”. It is to be expected that the latter will end up diverging to become new species .

Do it like animals (sex, obviously)

Sex is a source of diversity but it has its drawbacks. Sex makes us mortal and that mortality forces us to flirt.

3 Animals That Show Lesbian Behaviors

Many homophobes claim that homosexuality is not natural; its existence in nature refutes that claim.

What are cat penis spikes used for?

A cat's penis has spikes that have various functions related to reproduction.

Why do female hyenas have a penis?

hyena females have a false penis and scrotum, a rarity in nature, it has social functions, an evolutionary origin related to embryonic development.

3 animals that masturbate using…

Human beings are not the only animals that masturbate; many other species do, and some do not use their own bodies for it.

More