n. transient, casual sexual relations with a variety of partners. In humans, this type of behavior is generally regarded unfavorably; however, it has been argued that there can be healthy promiscuity in the simple enjoyment of casual, consensual, nonexploitative relationships. Among nonhuman animals, bonobos (pygmy chimpanzees) engage in frequent sexual activity both between and within sexes in exchange for resources (e.g., food) or to calm tensions. In many species, females appear to display promiscuity to prevent certainty of paternity but often mate with the most dominant or successful male at the time when conception is most likely. —promiscuousadj.