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How does a behavior that has no procreational need develop?


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Posted

In the 4422, cwes99_03 asks

How does a behavior that has no procreational need develop?
I believe that conventional evolutionary biology answers by noting that behaviors that increase the chances of a particular species or genetic cohort within a species chances of survival in increase are of at least 2 major kinds:
  • Reproductive competition – increased fertility, competition for mating, etc

and

  • Social – systems that enhance the prospects of survival of members of the cohort, such as cooperative care of offspring, possibly the basis of post-copulatory companionship, marriage, and family

One can, very reasonably, I believe, make the argument that recreational sex reinforces the bond between males and females, leading to shared child care responsibilities, enhancing the prospect of their children surviving to breeding age.

Posted

The behavior is connected to brain potential. At the desire tone or the brain potential associated with desire, behavior is connected to procreation. If we change the tone or brain potential to fear, a different set of behaviors will develop aound this potential. The more tones the greater the variety of behaviors. Most bilogists forget that procreation within most animal species is only a small fraction of the year. It is curious how 10-20% of the year makes this a primary behavior, when animals look for food 90-100% of the days.

Posted
… Most bilogists forget that procreation within most animal species is only a small fraction of the year. …
I doubt that too many trained biologists forget about estrus and menstrual cycles, but concerning amateurs like most of us, your point is well-taken.
It is curious how 10-20% of the year makes this a primary behavior, when animals look for food 90-100% of the days.
True procreative behavior does indeed occur relatively infrequently – about 25% (7/28 days, with 5-3/28 days of effective fertility) in humans, similar ratios in other primates, and usually a lower percentage in other mammals – but sexual behavior is often non-stop, and often obviously non-procreative. Eg: a pack of un-neutered male dogs, or, if you have the misfortune, a single rambunctious one and your leg!. Although leash laws laws and increasingly responsible pet ownership seems to me to have resulted in this behavior being less well-known than it was decades ago, it’s still not difficult to find in less urban areas of the IS. Of course, it’s hard to be sure, but I pretty confident that a classification of “recreation sex” is appropriate for this sort of behavior – dogs certainly seem to be enjoying themselves when they engage in it.

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