The threat of infants being killed by unrelated males is the
key driver of monogamy in humans and other primates.
The study by academics from UCL, University of Manchester,
University of Oxford and University of Auckland, is the first to reveal this
evolutionary pathway for the emergence of pair living.
The team also found that following the emergence of monogamy
males are more likely to care for their offspring. Where fathers care for
young, not only can they protect infants from other males, but they can also
share the burden of childcare.