Why there are men?

The reasons for the existence of men have long troubled the minds of scientists. Sexual reproduction is inefficient and costly, but most multicellular species choose this method in order to preserve their genes. This is illogical. So why there are men? Researchers from the University of East Anglia believe that, perhaps, this code was finally cracked. They suggest that the evolutionary force, known as sexual selection, plays a key role in improving the health of the population and protecting species from extinction.

New research

In a study published in the journal Nature, a subspecies of Tribolium beetles was chosen to observe why most multicellular organisms prefer the sexual type of reproduction. In controlled laboratory conditions, the researchers studied 50 generations of beetles for ten years and experienced the effects of sexual selection. Based on the theory of Charles Darwin, sexual selection is a process in which males compete for the opportunity to breed, and females select those with whom they are prepared to breed.

Scientific point of view

"Almost all the multicellular species on earth reproduce through sex, but its existence is not so easy to explain, because this type brings in heavy loads and requires a significant expenditure of energy." In addition, it is obvious that only half of your offspring-daughters will be In fact, have offspring, why do the species spend their time and energy on their sons? " "Says a leading researcher, Professor Matt Gage of the UEA School, in a statement.

The task of the study

"We wanted to understand how the Darwinian selection allowed this phenomenon to become widespread, and why the reproductive system is so wasteful, because the way in which all people produce offspring without sex, as in all asexual populations, would be much more effective," notes In the study.

Results of the experiment

The scientists found that when the competition was eliminated, and the beetles remained only in monogamous pairs, the health of the population deteriorated sharply. Conversely, the offspring received in conditions of intense competition, when there were 10 females for 90 males, was more resistant to disease and extinction.

"In order to be the best of competing rivals and attract partners, a person should be good at most things, so that sexual selection is an important and effective filter for maintaining and improving the genetic health of the population," Gage says. "Our results provide immediate support for the idea The fact that sex continues to exist as the dominant mode of reproduction, because it allows for sexual selection to provide these important genetic benefits. "

The study shows that such a phenomenon as sexual selection plays a decisive role in screening out harmful genetic mutations, because competition means less chance for a female to mate with a genetically inferior male.