Are humans meant to be monogamous creatures?

[dogenzakaminion]

Ever since I heard word of my aunt and uncle getting divorced (two people who have been together since I can remember) I started wondering if human beings are really meant to stay with one other person till death. My parents are divorced after 20 years, I've seen relationships die after couples being together for years, and the divorce rate in America is 50%. It makes me wonder considering the physical goal of male humans is to spread the genetic seed as much as possible, does it do our species any good to just stay with one partner till death?

Actually...no, we were not meant to be. There was a recent study (I'll find the source later) that showed biologically that it's natural to have around three partners in life. I'm going to imagine that your aunt and uncle are around 40, and that's the first natural split point. Say that every 20 odd years you find someone new (like your parents). With divorce data from recent years that's the most common time to get a divorce and apparently that's biologically sound. Not saying that we can't be monogamous or are incapable of it, but it isn't completely natural. I say we just go for what feels natural. If you love your partner then stay with them for as long as you want. If you don't anymore, then maybe you should make a change.

 

[TiloXofXTanto]

....You ever heard of a bonobo?
It's a genetic relative of the Chimpanzee....
And we are genetic relatives of both by extension.
Read up on the bonobo, you'll agree that we weren't, not in the least.

BUT DO NOT SEARCH FOR VIDEOS!!! OR PICTURES!!!!
Mental Death sentence.

 

[LetalisK]

Ever since I heard word of my aunt and uncle getting divorced (two people who have been together since I can remember) I started wondering if human beings are really meant to stay with one other person till death. My parents are divorced after 20 years, I've seen relationships die after couples being together for years, and the divorce rate in America is 50%. It makes me wonder considering the physical goal of male humans is to spread the genetic seed as much as possible, does it do our species any good to just stay with one partner till death?

No, that is not the goal of males(any species, really). The biological goal of males is to ensure their genes succeed and are passed on. Having as many offspring as possible to increase the chances of your genes lasting is one method. One that is used when little resources are available(at least for humans). Another method, one which is used when there are abundant resources available, is to have a smaller number of children with a dedicated partner so you can better pour resources into those offspring to not only ensure success but to attain as much success as possible.

 

[Zyxzy]

This is, I think, more of a cultural issue than a biological one. Seeing as how there exists a huge variety of mating habits among our species, and considering that all cultures make it work, I think that our preferences and habits in relation to mating are caused more by our culture than biology.

 

[Ashcrexl]

*comic*

Wtf? THATS why its shaped like that?
But... I would never stir another mans porridge to begin with... Thats gross.

No, it's just poking fun i think. What about circumcision?

nope, he's got a link and everything. people spent all day, everyday, staring at dicks and figured this out. they have SCIENCE