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Hanne C Lie1, Gillian Rhodes, Leigh W Simmons

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Human facial attractiveness signals genetic quality, particularly major histocompatibility complex (MHC) diversity in males and overall genetic diversity in females. This supports evolutionary theories of mate selection based on visual cues to health and reproductive fitness.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genetics
  • Human behavior

Background:

  • Human facial attractiveness is theorized to indicate mate quality from an evolutionary standpoint.
  • Genetic diversity is linked to fitness and reproductive success, with specific attention to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) for immunocompetence and mate choice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if facial attractiveness signals genetic diversity.
  • To determine if preferences for genetic diversity are MHC-specific or general.
  • To explore the genetic basis of human preferences for facial features.

Main Methods:

  • Photographed and genotyped 160 participants using microsatellite markers.
  • Calculated genetic diversity using mean heterozygosity and standardized mean d(2).
  • Assessed facial attractiveness, averageness, and symmetry.

Main Results:

  • Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) heterozygosity positively predicted male attractiveness and facial averageness.
  • Facial averageness mediated the relationship between MHC heterozygosity and attractiveness.
  • Standardized mean d(2) at non-MHC loci predicted facial symmetry in females.

Conclusions:

  • Attractive facial features may serve as visual indicators of genetic quality in both sexes.
  • Supports evolutionary theories that face preferences are shaped by selection to identify high-quality mates.
  • Suggests a specialized role for MHC in female preferences for male facial attractiveness.