Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness

The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness

The Y chromosome is a sex chromosome found in several vertebrates and mammals, including humans. In addition to 22 pairs of autosomes, the human males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. In these organisms, the presence or absence of the Y chromosome determines the development of male traits.
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size. Today,...

Development of Immunocompetence

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...

X-linked Traits

X-linked Traits

In most mammalian species, females have two X sex chromosomes and males have an X and Y. As a result, mutations on the X chromosome in females may be masked by the presence of a normal allele on the second X. In contrast, a mutation on the X chromosome in males more often causes observable biological defects, as there is no normal X to compensate. Trait variations arising from mutations on the X chromosome are called “X-linked”.

X-linked Traits

X-linked Traits

In most mammalian species, females have two X sex chromosomes and males have an X and Y. As a result, mutations on the X chromosome in females may be masked by the presence of a normal allele on the second X. In contrast, a mutation on the X chromosome in males more often causes observable biological defects, as there is no normal X to compensate. Trait variations arising from mutations on the X chromosome are called “X-linked”.

Facial Feedback Hypothesis

Facial Feedback Hypothesis

Charles Darwin proposed that facial expressions are an evolutionary adaptation for communication. He argued that these expressions are not influenced by culture but are universal across species. For example, a snarling expression with exposed teeth signals a threat in many animals, including humans. Darwin also suggested that displaying an emotion can intensify the feeling. Smiling, for example, could enhance one's sense of happiness. This idea laid the foundation for understanding the role of...

Natural Selection and Mating Preferences

Natural Selection and Mating Preferences

The principle of natural selection posits that organisms better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. This principle is closely intertwined with mating preferences, a key aspect of sexual selection, which evolutionary psychologists believe is driven by instincts to propagate one's genes. Such instincts significantly influence mating behaviors and preferences between genders.
Females, due to their biological roles in conception, pregnancy, and nursing, inherently...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

The Risky Appearance Altering Behaviours Inventory (RAABI): A validated new outcome measure for sociocultural models of body image in English and Spanish speaking women.

Body image·2026

Same author

Effects of acute alcohol consumption on hostile attribution bias towards emotional facial expressions and implicit approach/avoidance tendencies.

Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)·2026

Same author

Measurement invariance and differential item functioning of the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS) in five latin american nations.

Body image·2026

Same author

A systematic review of the association between women's morphological traits and fertility.

Evolutionary human sciences·2025

Same author

Assessing associations amongst body dissatisfaction, eating disorder symptoms and sociocultural influences in adolescents from rural Nicaragua.

BMC psychology·2025

Same author

Low mood, not anxiety, connected with micro facial expression recognition.

Scientific reports·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Sexual Transmission of American Trypanosomes from Males and Females to Naive Mates

Sexual Transmission of American Trypanosomes from Males and Females to Naive Mates

Published on: January 27, 2019

Do men's faces really signal heritable immunocompetence?

Isabel M L Scott¹, Andrew P Clark, Lynda G Boothroyd

¹Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Bristol , Bristol, BS8 1UU UK.

Behavioral Ecology : Official Journal of the International Society for Behavioral Ecology

|April 5, 2013

Summary

The immunocompetence hypothesis linking masculine faces to male attractiveness is overstated. Evidence is tentative, lacks cross-cultural support, and facial masculinity contributes little to overall attractiveness.

Keywords:

attractiveness competition faces female choice humans immunocompetence males masculinity mate preferences testosterone

More Related Videos

Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK

Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK

Published on: December 18, 2012

Isolation of Lymphocytes from Mouse Genital Tract Mucosa

Isolation of Lymphocytes from Mouse Genital Tract Mucosa

Published on: September 3, 2012

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 12, 2026

Sexual Transmission of American Trypanosomes from Males and Females to Naive Mates

Sexual Transmission of American Trypanosomes from Males and Females to Naive Mates

Published on: January 27, 2019

Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK

Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK

Published on: December 18, 2012

Isolation of Lymphocytes from Mouse Genital Tract Mucosa

Isolation of Lymphocytes from Mouse Genital Tract Mucosa

Published on: September 3, 2012

Area of Science:

Evolutionary Psychology
Human Mating Behavior
Facial Morphology

Background:

Masculine facial morphology is often considered an indicator of immunocompetence and attractiveness in human mate choice.
This hypothesis has gained traction in scientific literature.

Purpose of the Study:

To critically evaluate the evidence supporting the immunocompetence hypothesis of facial masculinity.
To explore alternative explanations for preferences related to facial masculinity.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on human mate choice, facial masculinity, and immunocompetence.
Analysis of evidence from human and animal studies.
Examination of cross-cultural data on preferences.

Main Results:

Evidence linking human masculinity to disease resistance is tentative.
Animal studies on sexual ornaments and immunity present a complex picture.
Cross-cultural data do not consistently support the immunocompetence hypothesis.
Facial masculinity has a minimal impact on overall attractiveness in real-world settings.

Conclusions:

The strength of evidence for the immunocompetence hypothesis is overstated.
Alternative explanations, such as masculinity as an intrasexual signal, warrant further investigation.
Current perspectives on masculinity and mate preference should be considered speculative.