A study led by professor Wayne Potts found that more sexually promiscuous mice bore similarly sexy offspring. The study observed monogamous sexual patterns in mice bred in closed cages versus promiscuity in mice bred in semi-natural and competitive environments. Offspring of promiscuous parents had 31 percent more major urinary proteins (MUPs) than other babies, which led to higher production of urinary pheromones. Another of Potts’ studies found that 48 percent of promiscuous mice lived until the experiment’s end versus 80 percent of normal mice. The researchers posited that the early death is due to the high energy cost of the promiscuous mouse's pheromones.
Reference:
Female Mice Mating with Several Partners Produce Sexier Sons. (2013, November 19). Nature World News RSS. Retrieved December 5, 2013, from http://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/4973/20131119/female-mice-mating-several-partners-produce-sexier-sons.htm
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