Does having sex help mice fall in love?

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https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/eth.13545?et_rid=1094880125&et_cid=5529884

Animal Behavior  |  Ethology

Does having sex help mice fall in love?

03 January 2025

Overview:

While many animals take a pretty casual approach to sex, some species prefer to settle down with a single partner.

Scientists who study the neurobiological basis of monogamy have taken a particular interest in California mice, which form lasting pair bonds with their mates, co-parent, and defend territory together.

But what makes these rodents want to get hitched?

According to new research, it may all come down to sex—and timing.

In a recent experiment, scientists tested how committed male and female mice were to one another after cohabitating for one, three, five, or seven days.

Relationships can move pretty fast in the rodent world, because when a female mouse was in the most fertile, sexually receptive phase of her estrous cycle, the researchers saw evidence of partner preference after just 24 hours.

Pairs that mated prior to being tested seemed particularly lovey-dovey: These animals visited their partner’s chambers more frequently and spent more time huddling, licking, and grooming than those that remained celibate.

Overall, while having sex on the first date may not be a requirement for the formation of lasting pair bonds, these findings suggest that being in the mood for love can play an important role—at least in rodents.

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