yksiavioisuus

Yksiavioisuus, often translated as monogamy, refers to a mating system where an individual forms a pair bond with only one partner at a time. This social structure is prevalent in many human societies and is also observed in certain animal species. The duration of the pair bond can vary, from a single breeding season to a lifelong commitment.

In humans, monogamy is culturally and legally recognized in many parts of the world, forming the basis of marriage and family structures. While social monogamy involves living and mating with one partner, genetic monogamy, where the offspring are exclusively from that pair, is less common in many species, including humans, due to occasional extra-pair copulations.

Among animals, monogamy can serve various ecological and evolutionary purposes. It can facilitate biparental care, increasing the chances of offspring survival, especially in environments where raising young is challenging. Examples of socially monogamous species include swans, penguins, and some species of wolves. The enforcement of monogamy can vary, with some species exhibiting strict fidelity while others show more flexibility. The concept is distinct from polygamy, which involves an individual having multiple partners simultaneously.