How many mammals are
monogamous?
Not as many as you might think. According to an article on social
relationships, less than 3 percent of mammals are monogamous.
This article from Emory University echoes the figure and explains
that among animals, birds are by far the most
monogamous. "Over 90 percent of bird species pair up
exclusively to mate and rear chicks together." Monogamy makes more
sense for our feathered friends because "both mother and father are
equally able to provide food for the chicks."
So is excess hanky-panky among mammals good or bad? Scientific
research suggests that large mammals that are monogamous
may be more likely to become extinct. "There is some
evidence that hunters take more males than females from
populations." This could result in fewer available males
for monogamous relationships.
But family value proponents need not despair -- there is also
evidence that monogamy is beneficial for some animals.
