Humans have been ranked 7th among 35 mammal species for monogamy in a new University of Cambridge study, placing us above gibbons and meerkats but behind more loyal partners like Eurasian beavers and moustached tamarins.
Researchers measured monogamy by comparing how often siblings shared the same parents. Humans showed 66% full siblings, while beavers topped us with 72%. At the other end of the spectrum, dolphins, chimpanzees and mountain gorillas scored extremely low, reflecting more promiscuous mating patterns.
Monogamy varies widely across human societies, but compared to most mammals — which tend toward multiple partners — humans fall into the monogamous category. Scientists suggest pair bonding may have evolved alongside paternal care, helping offspring survive.
We may not be number one, but humans sit comfortably near the top — even if beavers remain the better partners on paper.
