Humans Rank 7th in Monogamy Among 35 Mammal Species, Cambridge Study Finds
- Seoyoung Kang
- Jan 3
- 1 min read
Jan 3, 2026
Seoyoung Kang
For decades, scientists have discussed how monogamous humans truly are. On the 10th of December, a research team led by Dr Mark Dyble at the University of Cambridge added new data to the debate, placing humans between meerkats and beavers in a cross-species index of monogamy. They studied mating and social relationships across 35 mammal species, then published their findings about marital loyalty on the University of Cambridge’s website.
According to the research, monogamy in humans is ranked in the 7th place among 35 species of mammals. The index was built by the higher the ratio of brothers(both parents are the same) among brothers, the stronger the tendency to be monogamous. Dr. Mark Dyble said that compared to other mammals, humans are less promiscuous, and this research’s method is objective and direct than the previous research.
Dr. Mark Dyble and his team emphasized that this study measured single-spouse based on ‘actual breeding results’, not sex. In humans, there are cultural factors and continuous monogamy, such as divorce and remarriage. So, including these factors, humans are much more monogamous than other animals.
The researchers acknowledge that no single measure can fully capture the complexity of human relationships. Biological data do not account for emotional bonds, cultural expectations, or the wide variation in family structures across societies. They note, however, that using a cross-species index provides a valuable starting point for understanding how human pair bonding evolved. Future studies may incorporate genetic data, long-term social tracking, or broader cultural comparisons to build a more complete picture of monogamy in humans and other animals.
