Paternity uncertainty

Topic

Paternity uncertainty is an evolutionary and biological concept describing the inherent doubt a male has regarding whether an offspring is genetically his own. Because fertilization occurs internally in females, males cannot be entirely certain of biological paternity, which has shaped diverse mating strategies, parental investment behaviors, and social structures across species. This asymmetry in parental certainty often leads to sexual conflict, mate-guarding behaviors, and varying levels of paternal care.