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Evolution of mammalian monogamy remains mysterious

Two large studies reach opposing conclusions about why males stay with females

EVOLUTION OF MONOGAMY  Meerkats are unusual among mammals  because they form monogamous pairs. Scientists disagree on what factors drove  the evolution of monogamy in mammals.

Courtesy of D. Lukas

By Cristy Gelling

- More than 2 years ago

Why some mammalian species choose to spend their lives with the same mates has long baffled scientists — and will probably continue to do so as two new massive studies present contradictory results.