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Related Experiment Videos

Second to fourth digit ratio and face shape.

Bernhard Fink1, Karl Grammer, Philipp Mitteroecker

  • 1Department for Sociobiology/Anthropology, Institute for Zoology & Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Berliner Strasse 28, D-37073 Götingen, Germany. bernhard.fink@ieee.org

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|September 30, 2005
PubMed
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Prenatal hormone ratios, indicated by finger length (2D:4D), and chromosomal sex significantly shape facial form differently in men and women. These factors influence facial characteristics, impacting perceptions of masculinity and femininity.

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Human Anatomy
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Facial dimorphism between sexes is evident, potentially influenced by sex steroids like testosterone (T) and estrogen (E).
  • Previous research primarily focused on male facial characteristics and circulating hormone levels, leaving female facial biology largely speculative.
  • The 2D:4D finger length ratio is a recognized proxy for prenatal sex steroid ratios (T/E).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relative importance of prenatal sex steroid ratios (using 2D:4D ratio) and chromosomal sex in determining facial form.
  • To analyze how these factors influence specific facial landmarks and overall facial shape.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 64 facial landmark points from photographs of 106 Austrian college-aged individuals.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Assessment of prenatal sex steroid ratios using the 2D:4D finger length ratio.
  • Statistical analysis to determine the influence of 2D:4D ratio and chromosomal sex on facial morphology.

    • Main Results:

    • Prenatal sex steroid ratios (2D:4D) and chromosomal sex dimorphism impact facial structure through distinct mechanisms.
    • The 2D:4D ratio influences male and female facial shape similarly but with three times greater intensity in males.
    • Facial allometry and asymmetry did not confound the observed effects of sex steroids and chromosomal sex.

    Conclusions:

    • Prenatal hormone exposure and chromosomal sex play differential roles in shaping facial morphology.
    • Understanding these distinct effects is crucial for studies on the perception of 'masculine' and 'feminine' facial traits.
    • This research provides insights into the biological underpinnings of facial characteristics and their role in mate preferences.