'Concealed ovulation' and sexual signals in primates.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review and theoretical evaluation with no primary empirical data or systematic review methodology.
PubMed 1618432 · doi:10.1159/000156600
What was done
The author conducted a theoretical critique and narrative review evaluating evolutionary hypotheses surrounding 'concealed ovulation' and sexual signaling across primates, particularly humans and vervet monkeys.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative data or numerical findings. The author argues that the absence of conspicuous sexual signals is most parsimoniously explained as a null state resulting from a lack of selective pressures to maintain such traits, rather than an evolved adaptation to conceal ovulation from males or from female self-consciousness. For primates with conspicuous sexual signals, communicating over long distances and convincing reluctant receivers are identified as the most plausible functions, with some but not definitive empirical support.
Why it matters
This paper challenges the adaptationist premise that non-advertised ovulation is an evolved deceptive strategy, reframing the absence of conspicuous signals as an unselected default state.
Limits
The abstract provides no empirical data, sample sizes, or quantitative synthesis. The conclusions rest on qualitative theoretical evaluation and mechanism-based reasoning.
Cited by
- supports Unlike many other animal species that have overt estrus signals, humans conceal their ovulation.