A mating system where individuals have multiple mates during a breeding season. This broad term encompasses both polygyny (one male, multiple females) and polyandry (one female, multiple males).
From Greek 'poly-' meaning many and 'gamos' meaning marriage. Originally used for human marriage systems, the term was adopted by biologists to describe animal mating patterns in the early 20th century.
Polygamous mating systems often correlate with extreme sexual dimorphism - in elephant seals, dominant males can mate with dozens of females while smaller males may never reproduce! The most successful polygamous males often have lifespans shortened by the stress of constant competition.
Polygamy law historically privileged male ownership of multiple wives while restricting women's autonomy and property rights. Legal prohibitions often assumed female vulnerability rather than choice.
Use descriptively for consensual polyamorous relationships; distinguish from coercive polygamy. Acknowledge modern ethical polygamy as distinct from historical gendered enforcement.
["polyamory","consensual non-monogamy","plural marriage"]
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