Extra-pair copulation

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Extra-pair copulation (EPC) is a mating behaviour in socially monogamous species wherein one of the members of the pair breeds with an organism outside the bound pair. EPC in the animal kingdom has mostly been studied in birds and mammals. Extra-pair copulation is not to be confused with cuckoldry (a concept of social sciences). In socially monogamic mammals (species who make a pair to share resources and raise offspring), genetic monogamy (species who mate exclusively with one partner) is extremely rare. As well as humans, EPC has been found in many other socially monogamous species. When EPC occurs in animals which show sustained female-male social bonding, this can lead to extra-pair paternity (EPP), in which the female reproduces with an extra-pair male, and hence produces EPO (extra-pair offspring). Due to the obvious reproductive success benefits for males, it used to be thought that males exclusively controlled EPCs. However, it is now known that females also seek EPC in some situations.

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