The "theory of the Red Queen" holds that our immune system has to evolve rapidly just to "stay in place" (like the Red Queen had to run to do so)--to continue to defeat the parasites who are also rapidly evolving in their ability to invade us. Recent evidence also suggests that a key aspect of sexual reproduction is female choice influenced by a genetic predisposition based on immune compatibility. Women can "smell" the male's immunity!
Some people say to "reduce" sexual behavior to this level is dehumanizing--I think it makes our success as a species all that much more beautiful. Fearfully and wonderfully made, indeed! And, unlike a fairy tale, true!
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