Certain
gestures and behaviors have known to be major contributors to the realm of
mating, especially in birds. It was discovered that some male birds may be
geneticly disposed to behave one way over another in pursuit of a female. Researchers
at University of Sheffield identified the genes, of a wading bird called the
ruff, that determine mating behavior. The male ruff dedicate their lives to
attracting females with no desire for parental care. Within the mating system,
three types of males were discovered. The territorial males have impressive
plumes with great, distinguishable color. The non-territorial males have white
feathers and make attempts to steal mates from the garish territorial males. Then,
there is the ‘cross-dressers’. These males mimic females to avoid territorial
aggression while stealing mates. It was determined that these genes were
encoded by a ‘supergene’.
My first
thought after reading this was how the same concept may apply to humans. How
much of our own mating behaviors influenced by genetics versus the environment?
Would the genetic disposition only be applicable to males or females as well?
In that case, we must also consider sexuality in its entirety. Does it vary
between regions? Ages? I would be interested to follow and learn more about the
expansion of this concept.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/11/151116112456.htm
http://www.nature.com/ng/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/ng.3443.html
No comments:
Post a Comment