Infidelity good for evolution

A woman that indulges in an adulterous relationship may be doing so for evolutionary reasons, as new research suggests playing away from home may lead to stronger offspring.

One scientist in Norfolk has spent ten years looking at the mating patterns of the Seychelles warbler, a type of bid indigenous to a small island in the Indian Ocean.

David Richardson from the University of East Anglia (UEA) has found that despite the birds mating for life, around 40 per cent of the chicks produced are not the offspring of the male partner.

The research indicates that the female's infidelity leads to better genetic quality of the offspring.

UEA reports: "The study has shown that these extra-pair fertilisations can result in a higher diversity of specific genes which detect disease and trigger an immune response in offspring.

"As a consequence, the offspring survive longer probably as a result of having greater resistance to a wider range of diseases."

This research could suggest why women are unfaithful, as subconsciously they may believe that getting a bit on the side would be good for any future children.

It also mirrors the recent trend of couples allowing adultery within a relationship, as many couples believe it makes their relationship stronger.

Posted by David Miller 

Category: Other adultery news

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