Choice of kin in consanguineous marriages: effects of altruism and ecological factors.
BACKGROUND
Despite being associated with multiple genetic problems, consanguineous marriages continue to remain extremely prevalent worldwide. Studying the variation of kin preferences in diverse inbred societies may provide some answers to this paradox.


OBJECTIVE
To find the reasons for specific kin choice in different geographical areas of the world.


METHODS
We used a set of sociobiological rules (kin altruism, sexuality and inbreeding avoidance) and ecological constraints (e.g. tribal warfare, food availability) that influence human behaviour. The cumulative help that the extended family can provide to a nuclear family was calculated using the coefficient of relatedness between kin in different types of consanguineous families.


RESULTS
The maximum potential support for kin markedly varied between different types of consanguineous marriages. Overall, members of consanguineous families received up to two-and-half times more support than members of non-consanguineous families. In various inbred cultures, preference for a specific type of kin was determined by prevailing ecological limitations and sociobiological factors interacting in a complex manner.


CONCLUSIONS
In different inbred populations, the ideal kin for a consanguineous marriage is the one who can provide the most altruistic support; however, this choice is influenced by biological rules of behaviour and ecological constraints.
Denic
Srdjan
S
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. s.denic@uaeu.ac.ae
Nagelkerke
Nicolaas
N
Agarwal
Mukesh M
MM
D000533:Altruism; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003241:Consanguinity; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D003710:Demography; D005006:Ethnicity; D005190:Family; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D005523:Food Supply; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage; D019529:Sexuality; D012919:Social Behavior; D012944:Social Support; D012945:Social Values; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014857:Warfare