A new Cambridge University study has ranked humans 7th out of 35 mammals for monogamy, placing us above species like meerkats and gibbons but below Eurasian beavers and moustached tamarins.
Researchers analysed genetic data to compare how often siblings share both parents. Humans showed 66% full siblings, suggesting a relatively strong tendency toward pair bonding. Beavers scored 72%, while highly promiscuous species such as chimpanzees and mountain gorillas ranked near the bottom.
The study highlights that human mating behaviour varies widely across cultures and history, and social norms often reinforce monogamy. Scientists believe human pair bonding may have evolved alongside paternal care, though the exact origins remain uncertain.
In the animal kingdom’s monogamy league, humans sit firmly in the top flight — just a few points behind the beaver.
