Why Are Some Mice (and People) Monogamous? A
Study Points to Genes
A Groundbreaking study
has found that genetic variation in mice are linked to parental care and
monogamy, the first time such a link has been found in mammals. But biologist
have long known that sex and family life, mouse are remarkable they are
monogamous and a solicitous parent. In the pioneering study published in
journal nature, researcher at Harvard University identified genetic basis for
this distinctive behavior. This is the first time scientist have linked DNA to
variation in parenting habits among mammals. It makes sense that some genetic
mutation might have an effect by alter an animal mood. They carefully examined
the 498 genes and only one encoding hormone stood out its called vasopressin.
In the bloodstream Vasopressin control blood pressure and the flow of water
into the kidneys, but some produced in the hypothalamus of the brain and found
that here it influences behavior. While you can’t use 23andme to find out who
is going to be a great father but at least we will know when we all becoming a
father since newly father experienced a surge of vasopressin in the brain at
the sight of their own infants.
I would have never thought that parenting could be attributed to genetics. I'm curious to see what conclusions future research in this area could uncover. I suppose that one application of this would be in animal breeding (seeing which animals would make good parents). Overall, a very curious find, though I'm not really sure how applicable such research may be at the present.
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