Science Forums 2

[Boerseun]

I think all the religious mumbo-jumbo we hear about the virtues of virginity stems from our innate desire for exclusive possession of the female, as stated in the above posts.

Whether this is for ensuring your lineage, or an unconscious attempt at rising in the hierarchy (as in hymadrias baboons, where the size of your exclusive harem determines your position in the hierarchy), is open to debate. I think it might very well be a mix of the two.

What is rather surprising, though, is the willingness amongst human males to bring up, care, and even love stepchildren. This probably stems from group selection, too - and in the face of predators on the open savannah, it might just be to your benefit to have more members of your species around, regardless of them not being necessarily your direct descendants.