Eli5 Why are women so much shorter than men?
In: 60
Polygamy. Ancient times the tallest and biggest males mated with all the women and we are their ancestors. Analyzing genes shows there’s much less variation in the Y chromosome than the X. Something like 90% of women who have ever lived had children while only around 40% of men did.
Most naturally monogamous species generally have males and females the same size, like some birds.
Monogamy in humans is relatively recent in evolutionary terms and is a cultural expectation. Humans are still naturally promiscuous with promiscuity being much higher in males.
Latest Answers