Monogamy is a type of behavior that we usually associate with human beings, however, in the animal world there are also monogamous species that maintain a single partner indefinitely. This behavior has been extensively studied and it is considered that there may be multiple advantages for monogamy to occur in animals, but there are also some disadvantages.
We invite you to read this interesting article on our site so you can learn about the characteristics of monogamous animals, the advantages of this type and some examples.
What are monogamous animals?
Monogamous animals are those that choose to form couples for an indefinite time to develop their reproductive activity and generally care for their young. However, there are certain nuances that are important to know, since two types of monogamy have been established in animals:
- Social monogamy: the couple is exclusive and cooperates in the tasks of feeding, caring for and protecting the children, but, in certain cases, one of the two copulates with another individual of the species. An example of this type of monogamy is found in tiles.
- Sexual monogamy: In addition to the habits mentioned, copulation only occurs between them. An example of animals with sexual monogamy are seahorses.
Advantages and disadvantages of monogamy in animals
Monogamy in animals occurs for several reasons. In general, it happens because of the multiple advantages it entails for the species that practice it, however, there are also disadvantages:
Advantage
In principle, we can say that monogamy is due to the need to have viable offspring to guarantee the continuity of genes in the population dynamics of the species. Likewise, this behavior is due to the need for the couple to maintain unity in the care of the young, since this requires significant time and effort to be carried out by only one of the parents, especially when the offspring is totally dependent on them. In this sense, parental cooperation is decisive for the survival of the offspring, which, without a doubt, gives them a reproductive advantage.
Another advantage that has been determined to be associated with monogamy in certain species is the prevention of infanticideIn mammals it happens that, while the females are nursing their young, they do not reproduce again until they are weaned, which in some cases can last for long periods of time. This situation often leads to one male killing the offspring of another when she is not present to make the female, by stopping suckling, enter a season of fertility again. That is why the permanence of the male and female (monogamy) in these animals constitutes a strategy that seeks to guarantee the survival of new members of the family group.
Cons
As for the disadvantages that monogamy brings, on the one hand we find the number of descendants. By always reproducing with the same partner, the probability of having offspring is lower than when the same male reproduces with several females and vice versa. It is also possible that the established couple is not compatible or that one of the members is not fertile.
On the other hand, the genetic variability of the offspring is more limited in monogamous pairs than when they have offspring from different pairs.
Examples of monogamous animals
The main groups in which monogamy has been studied in animals have been birds and mammals. In the former, it has been determined that around 90% have one of the two monogamy behaviors mentioned, while in the latter only 5% present them.
Let's know some examples of monogamous animals:
Penguins
They are birds belonging to the order Sphenisciformes, which includes a diversity of species, which tend to be monogamous. In addition, it is also common for them to use the same nest from the previous season to nest.
Learn about the different types of penguins that exist to learn more about these monogamous animals.
Ravens (Corvus corax)
These peculiar birds also tend to engage in monogamous behavior for a certain time and to breed in the same place. However, in the absence of the male, the female can copulate with another.
Swans (Cygnus)
In general, these beautiful birds are monogamous unless one of them dies. If this happens and the other is still of reproductive age, he returns to form a new couple. The mute swan (Cygnus olor) is an exception, since it can have several partners.
Parrots (Psittacoidea)
A parrot is a varied group of beautiful birds characterized by their colorful plumage. Although in many cases they are social animals that move in flocks, they are monogamous and form lasting couples.
Doves (Columbidae)
Another group of monogamous birds are pigeons, which even have a high reproductive rate with this mating system.
Wolves (Canis)
One of the few groups of mammals that exhibit monogamous behavior are wolves. In addition to establishing long-term partnerships, both participate in the care of the young.
Get all the details in this other article on How wolves reproduce.
Gibbons (Hylobatidae)
Another example of monogamy in animals can be found in gibbons, within which there are several species of primates that form stable pairs and small family groups.
Beavers (Beaver)
These semi-aquatic mammals, among which there are three species, are characterized by forming family groups with a monogamous reproductive pair. It is one of the typical examples of cooperation between the male and the female.
Imitative Poison Frog (Ranitomeya imitator)
This is the exception among amphibians, as they tend to be promiscuous and polygamous. This Peruvian frog has a monogamous behavior and, in addition, the male actively participates in the care of the tadpoles.
Dik dik (Madoqua)
Corresponds to several species of small antelopes that inhabit Africa and are another example of animals that form long-lasting pairs, staying very close for much of the day.
Other monogamous animals
In addition to those mentioned, below we want to present other animals that have monogamous habits:
- Cranes (Gruiformes)
- GOOSES or GEANS (Anser)
- Agapornis (Agapornis)
- Albatross (Diomedeidae)
- Alca torda (Alca torda)
- Seahorses (Hippocampus)
- African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus)
- Golden Jackal (Canis aureus)
- Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
- American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
