Genetic Polygamy

Definition

Genetic Polygamy refers to patterns of inheritance that indicate different male and female effective population sizes through genetic analysis. It is different than “social polygamy,” in that it is a measure of the actual genetic parentage that allows researchers to trace paternity, rather than the apparent or culturally institutionalized mating patterns that are witnessed.

Introduction

Evidence of polygamous mating patterns is generally identified by the apparent pair-bonding behaviors of individuals within a group. In humans this may be displayed through the institutionalized mating practices within cultures. However, these apparent behavioral patterns are only a proximate measure of a species, or groups, actual mating pattern. Other ways to determine such patterns are by examining the dimorphic physical or behavioral traits that males and females display. Sex differences in traits such as body size, ornamentation, and behavior give some evidence of a species evolutionary...