The Sicker Sex
2009
The Sicker Sex
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Marlene Zuk
Primary Institution: University of California, Riverside
Hypothesis
What causes the disparity between the sexes in longevity and parasite susceptibility?
Conclusion
Males are generally more susceptible to diseases and have shorter lifespans than females due to evolutionary factors.
Supporting Evidence
- Men die earlier than women across various causes of death.
- Sexual selection influences male vulnerability to infections.
- Evolutionary frameworks help explain sex differences in disease susceptibility.
Takeaway
Boys are often sicker than girls because of how they grow and compete for mates, which can make them more vulnerable to diseases.
Limitations
Data on mating systems of many animals are often unavailable, making it difficult to test predictions.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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