this post was submitted on 29 Jun 2024
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[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago

It does. We also evolved embryo wasting. A measurement to reduce non-viable pregnancies. Except it also tends to dispose of potentially healthy embryo's. They used to think 70% was wasted. But now they think it's between 40 and 60%.

This is a good thing, since it also enables more monogamous behaviour. More sex with the same guy = greater chance at conception. And reduces both male/male and female/female competition. So basically more coop-mode for everyone. Sucks only women suffer the drawbacks of this perk.

Not only that. Paternal care is something other primates lack. But men did develop paternal care as prolactin levels in the brain increase when men see their baby. Paternal care interestinly enough, isn't just a back-up parent in case the mom dies during labour. It's invaluable. Especially to boys who prefer to learn from their fathers.

On top of this, we also have meno- and andropause. Where people lose fertility. This is only seen in two other species. Both matriarchies where the leader is determined by her experience. Orca's and elephants. Sticking around while not competing with her own children is amazing. It's why we live so long. Fun fact. Male orcas only live 30 years, but female orcas live somewhere between 60 and 90 years. Makes that "women live 3 years longer than men on average" seem insignificant huh? In any case. Love your grandparents.

Anyhow. It's no surprise that forced mating is so common in nature, but not that common in humans. We are doing well despite rape still existing.