Biologists have recently said that women could benefit

from mating with many men. It would increase the genetic

diversity of their children. If a high-quality man

would not stay with them, they might at least

get his excellent genes for that child

Sleeping Around

According to the Telegraph, a new study shows that women still regret one-night stands more than men.

Apparently, 80 per cent of men had overall positive feelings about the experience compared to 54 per cent of women, and men were also more likely than women to want their friends to hear about it.

But, while explaining that women have not adapted to meaningless sex because it does not suit them at this stage in evolution, the paper didn't tell the whole story.

Professor Anne Campbell from Durham University was quoted as saying:

"In evolutionary terms women bear the brunt of parental care and it has been generally thought that it was to their advantage to choose their mate carefully and remain faithful to make sure that their mate had no reason to believe he was raising another man's child."

But Professor Campbell went on to say (and not reported by the Telegraph):

"Recently biologists have suggested that females could benefit from mating with many men - it would increase the genetic diversity of their children and, if a high quality man would not stay with them forever, they might at least get his excellent genes for their child."

Funny how any story about how women enjoying multiple partners as part of evolution doesn't usually make the news. Except when we are talking about earthworms and chimpanzees.

It's Evolutionary, Stupid! [Source]

It is now a truth acknowledged even by science: men like casual sex more than women do.

One of the first academic studies to investigate positive and negative emotions felt after casual sex has revealed that evolution has not adapted women to having casual sex. Otherwise, they conclude, women would feel better about a one-night sexual partner, instead of feeling "used" and regretful.

An internet survey of 1,743 men and women who have had one-night stands found that 80 per cent of the men had positive feelings about it, feeling greater sexual satisfaction and contentment, plus a greater sense of well-being. Only 54 per cent of women felt the same way.

"Evolution often acts through positive and negative emotions which draw us towards adaptive behaviours or drives us from harmful ones," said Professor Anne Campbell of Durham University, whose study is published in the journal Human Nature.

"Basic emotions guide us down pathways that have been advantageous for our ancestors. If our female ancestors were adapted to short-term relationships, they ought to enjoy them like men do."

Men are biologically capable of reproduction with many women, which may explain their apparent happiness with casual relationships. But for women it is quality, not quantity that is important, said Professor Campbell.

"In evolutionary terms women bear the brunt of parental care and it has been thought that it was to their advantage to choose their mate carefully and remain faithful to ensure their mate had no reason to believe he was raising another man's child.

"Recently, biologists have suggested that females could benefit from mating with many men – it would increase the genetic diversity of their children and, if a high-quality man would not stay with them, they might at least get his excellent genes for that child," she said.