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Evolutionary consequences of infidelity

by Alexa Smith Banned
19 replies
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Is extra-pair mating the key to sexual dimorphism?

For unpaired males, the offspring produced by extra-pair matings are essential. "In this case extra-pair matings actually reduce the differences between males in their reproductive success", says Emmi Schlicht, first author of the study. "That makes a selection of 'the best' less effective and hinders a fast evolution of traits in males that increase their mating success".

Seems rather strange, to put it mildly? Source, and more information: Evolutionary consequences of infidelity in birds: Can extra-pair relationships give rise to sexual dimorphism?
#consequences #evolutionary #infidelity
  • Profile picture of the author Jgowen77
    Interesting article and theory.

    It's a bit more complicated for humans, as we have feelings, emotions and expectations involved that the animal kingdom does not. I have five children, all by the same woman. What a wonderful world it would be to go have more by other women, or just have been able (as we are divorced) to come and go as I wanted to without any consequences.

    There's something to be said for the simplicity in which other species live. :rolleyes:
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    • Profile picture of the author HeySal
      Originally Posted by Jgowen77 View Post

      Interesting article and theory.

      It's a bit more complicated for humans, as we have feelings, emotions and expectations involved that the animal kingdom does not. I have five children, all by the same woman. What a wonderful world it would be to go have more by other women, or just have been able (as we are divorced) to come and go as I wanted to without any consequences.

      There's something to be said for the simplicity in which other species live. :rolleyes:
      How do you know that? I've seen animals exhibit loads of emotion and expectation (while more short term than ours, such as a dog nagging for, and expecting a walk). Or are you stating with long term mates? Even then, some animals mate for life, so don't be so sure we are REALLY that much different).

      Alexa - interesting and fun topic - but I can't follow this down in any logical sequence, either. Might put a scare in serial cheaters, though, eh?
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      Sal
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      • Profile picture of the author Brian John
        topic reminds me of the book sperm wars...good read. not all of it seems completely founded in science, nevertheless it's very interesting stuff, particularly for those who favor the biological and/or behavioral sciences

        Sperm Wars: Infidelity, Sexual Conflict, and...Sperm Wars: Infidelity, Sexual Conflict, and...
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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    EVEN if her theory were sound, it would CLEARLY be wrong! Each hen, BY HER OWN ADMISSION, pairs with a different mate! ALSO, by her OWN admission, they each pair with OTHER mates! AND, by her OWN ADMISSION, neither THEY, NOR the males, have changed! So That clearly has NOTHING to do with dimorphism. Face it, there are just differences. In the bird world, those often have to do with the males having fancier plumage or colors. With SPIDERS, the female may be more colorful, and larger. With many animals, like deer, sheep, cows, etc... Males may have antlers.

    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
      Banned
      This was my initial thinking.

      And is still my thinking, now. I'm still thinking about it, but am (as so often) inclined to agree with you Steve; thank you.
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  • Profile picture of the author LarryC
    When it comes to the topic of infidelity, I don't think anyone has deeper insights than the boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

    "Even though you can't drive ten cars at one time, you got people that got ten cars," Mayweather explains. "So, you're able to keep maintenance on ten cars. So, I feel that as far as it comes to females, that same thing should apply. If you're able to take care of 20, then you should have 20."

    This might be offensive to some, but I just found that quote hilarious.

    Floyd Mayweather Jr. Supports Polygamy, Compares Women To Cars | Vibe
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    • Profile picture of the author HeySal
      Originally Posted by LarryC View Post

      If you're able to take care of 20, then you should have 20."

      This might be offensive to some, but I just found that quote hilarious.

      Floyd Mayweather Jr. Supports Polygamy, Compares Women To Cars | Vibe
      That MotherF***er can rot in hell. Women are not pets. I have no respect for any woman who would go near a neanderthal that thinks like that about women. Let him play with his own prick.
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      Sal
      When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
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      • Profile picture of the author LarryC
        Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

        That MotherF***er can rot in hell. Women are not pets. I have no respect for any woman who would go near a neanderthal that thinks like that about women. Let him play with his own prick.
        Yes, I certainly wasn't endorsing his comments or behavior. I just think it's funny in a bizarre way, that someone can say such things and not realize how ignorant it sounds. He was already in jail for spousal abuse, so I guess it's not surprising he sees women this way.
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        • Profile picture of the author HeySal
          Originally Posted by LarryC View Post

          Yes, I certainly wasn't endorsing his comments or behavior. I just think it's funny in a bizarre way, that someone can say such things and not realize how ignorant it sounds. He was already in jail for spousal abuse, so I guess it's not surprising he sees women this way.
          I've dated a few that turned out to be like that. They come on sweet as cupcakes then decide they "rule". You would be dumbfounded to see how surprised they are when they start throwing orders at you in your own home where you pay all of your own bills.......and tell them to "hit the door and don't even think of coming back". They are flabbergasted.

          There's no reaching a psychotic. It's a waste of energy to even think about trying to. When they get dangerous the only thing there is to do is get rid of them. "Sorry you were born sick as heck, but I'm not gonna die for it." Ya know?
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          Sal
          When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
    Hey, if he wants to "keep" twenty women, so be it. However, can you imagine the nightmare once those women are on the same cycle?

    <shudder>

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    • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
      Originally Posted by Dan Riffle View Post

      However, can you imagine the nightmare once those women are on the same cycle?

      <shudder>
      Dan,
      Even that wouldn't be punishment enough for his warped mindset concerning women!

      Terra
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      • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
        Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

        Dan,
        Even that wouldn't be punishment enough for his warped mindset concerning women!

        Terra
        Twenty women. Same cycle. That's enough punishment for forty lifetimes. Hell, I couldn't even afford my monthly ice cream bill, let alone handle that much crazy.

        No offense, ladies. We're talking bulk numbers here.
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        Raising a child is akin to knowing you're getting fired in 18 years and having to train your replacement without actively sabotaging them.

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        • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
          Originally Posted by Dan Riffle View Post

          Twenty women. Same cycle. That's enough punishment for forty lifetimes. Hell, I couldn't even afford my monthly ice cream bill, let alone handle that much crazy.

          No offense, ladies. We're talking bulk numbers here.
          Well, it's a good thing that you don't try to handle 20 women then, haha!

          Terra
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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    As I recall, women that live together tend to basically adjust such that they ARE on the same cycle. You could just imagine if all the women were radically different on their cycles, and did that, YIKES! The poor guy would be driven up a wall!

    I guess he would deserve it for treating them like cars, but STILL.....

    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author HeySal
      Originally Posted by seasoned View Post

      As I recall, women that live together tend to basically adjust such that they ARE on the same cycle. You could just imagine if all the women were radically different on their cycles, and did that, YIKES! The poor guy would be driven up a wall!

      I guess he would deserve it for treating them like cars, but STILL.....

      Steve
      WTF are you on about now? Where did you ever learn this kind of crap? I swear - I realize you have a mathematically superior brain, but I've never seen a case of wacked frame/insert functions in my life. You'd make the best cartoon ever!
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      Sal
      When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
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    • Profile picture of the author Brian John
      Originally Posted by seasoned View Post

      As I recall, women that live together tend to basically adjust such that they ARE on the same cycle.
      it's a theory called "menstrual synchrony"
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    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
      Banned
      Originally Posted by seasoned View Post

      As I recall, women that live together tend to basically adjust such that they ARE on the same cycle.
      Yes indeed ...

      I'd always imagined so, anyway, and that it was well proven and observed that there was a gradual tendency in that direction.

      But according to Wikipedia, apparently "The existence of menstrual synchrony has not been definitively established, and studies investigating it have been controversial". :confused:

      This is interesting (if that sort of thing interests you): Menstrual Synchrony - Medical Myths - Harvard Commentaries | Aetna InteliHealth
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  • Profile picture of the author Patrician
    The whole thing is a crock of crap - including the 'cycle' BS - everybody wants to blame cycles, PMS, then menopause, etc -

    If anything is a 'cycle' it is the one created by psychological abuse such as lying and cheating - and neglect as withholding emotions and affection ---

    The 'cycle' is one of dysfunction and degeneration - such as a guy who can't satisfy one female and sure as hell is not doing anything for multiple females - but that is a common excuse - it wasn't about sex - there was something missing in the relationship - yeah you know what was missing? HIM (or HER).

    We are not animals and there is no longer any reason to 'populate' anything since we are already 'over-populated'.

    ... so keep your rocket in your pocket and figure it out - it is NOT "cycles" that is your problem.
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Well you can't prove it by me. I've never "synchonized" with anyone. Sometimes we had similar timing in the first place, but I've roomed with 4 or 5 women in my life, and had a mom and a sister, and we weren't "xynchronized". I've never known any of my other friends with other female roomy's "sychronizing" either. And what about whole tribes where women interact very closely - they don't synchronize either.

    I call that whole study hogwash and thought it was a joke (as in satire of metaphysical thought emerging into the public) when it came out and thought it just disappeared by now. What a lark.
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    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
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