A new Cambridge University study ranking mammals by monogamy has placed humans 7th out of 35 species, showing we are far more monogamous than most animals — though not as faithful as beavers, who placed ahead with a higher rate of full siblings.
Humans recorded 66% full siblings, compared with 72% in beavers and 60% in meerkats. At the bottom were chimpanzees, dolphins and mountain gorillas, reflecting much more promiscuous mating systems.
Researchers analysed genetic data from human and animal populations to compare how often offspring share both parents. While human societies vary widely, the study suggests our species evolved an unusual degree of pair bonding compared with other mammals.
Scientists say factors like paternal care and social structures may have driven this shift — even if cultural norms mean human monogamy isn’t always perfect.
Still, in the mammal world, humans rank high — just not quite beaver-level committed.
