Sexual Attraction and Human Evolution

                 

                  While researching for a blog topic for this class, I came across several interesting articles about sexual attraction and the role it plays on human evolution. The overall theme of the articles includes the idea that, as humans, those that are more attractive tend to mate more often and, thereby, pass their attractive genes on to the offspring. Over time, this practice leads to a more attractive society.

                  For example, DNA research performed on ancient inhabitants in the Ukraine revealed that, over generations, these early humans evolved to have lighter skin pigmentation, as they became primarily farmers and not hunters (Balter, 2014). Researchers compared DNA variants for lighter skin, hair, and blue eyes of ancient inhabitants with modern populations and found that modern populations possessed 8 times as many DNA variants (Balter, 2014). Diet and locality played some role in the evolution over time, but researchers also suggested that this trend can be explained by sexual attraction or sexual selection; for example, those individuals with lighter hair and blue eyes were considered more attractive (Balter, 2014). It would seem that these individuals were popular.

                  Does sexual attraction play a role in human evolution? Sexual selection in other animals, such as guppies, confirms that those with unusual or unique characteristics are more popular. I would think that in humans, cultural preferences would play a large role in what is considered sexually attractive. What about individuals that are too different? Are they sought after or shunned in society?

                  In another article from 2012, the idea that humans are continuing to evolve found that there are differences in sexual selection of men and women based on attractiveness. Men are more likely to evolve faster over time than women because they are more likely to be successful at mating with more partners due to their sexual attractiveness (University of Sheffield, 2012). Very interesting concept but, from a biological perspective, it makes sense. Are men more successful at mating than women?

                  Sexual attraction and sexual selection are interesting concepts, especially in the study of sexuality. I think that both ideas are valid arguments in human evolution, but I also think there are other factors to consider, most especially, culture and society.

Works cited:

Balter, M. (2014). New Diet, Sexual Attraction May Have Spurred Europeans' Lighter Skin. Retrieved from http%3A%2F%2Fnews.sciencemag.org%2Farchaeology%2F2014%2F03%2Fnew-diet-sexual-attraction-may-have-spurred-europeans-lighter-skin

University of Sheffield. (2012, April 30). Darwinian selection continues to influence human evolution. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 24, 2014 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430152037.htm