The evolution and functional significance of incest avoidance

The evolution and functional significance of incest avoidance

The origin and evolution of outbreeding is discussed in the light of the most recent genetical observations and theoretical developments in ethology. Rather than problems resulting from the expression of recessive deleterious genes, small-population genetic stochastic processes and the resulting homosis are viewed as the primary fitness-limiting features of inbreeding populations. With evolution of biparental reproduction, selection favored the reproductive potential of individuals exhibiting a genetically adopted, behavioral aversion to mating with parents, siblings, and offspring. The human incest taboo is regarded as a cultural epiphenomenon following from the general biological inclination to outbreed.

Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics, Anthropology

Incest, Outbreeding, Heterosis, Evolution