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Human Commercial Models' Eye Colour Shows Negative Frequency-Dependent Selection.

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Human model eye color frequencies in the UK and Brazil suggest negative frequency-dependent selection. Rarer eye colors may be preferred as markers of genetic diversity, influencing mate choice.

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Area of Science:

  • Human genetics
  • Evolutionary biology
  • Anthropometry

Background:

  • Human eye color is a highly polymorphic trait.
  • Mate selection preferences can influence the genetic makeup of populations.
  • Frequency-dependent selection, where trait prevalence affects its own fitness, is a known evolutionary mechanism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate human model eye color frequencies in the UK and Brazil.
  • To test the hypothesis that model eye color distribution results from negative frequency-dependent selection.
  • To explore the potential role of eye color as a marker for genetic diversity in attractiveness.

Main Methods:

  • Data collection on eye color (blue, brown, intermediate) for 800 models in the UK and 800 in Brazil.
  • Statistical analysis using Chi-square tests to compare model eye color frequencies with general population data.
  • Stratification of data by country and sex.

Main Results:

  • In the UK, brown and intermediate eye colors were significantly more frequent in models than expected (P<0.001).
  • In Brazil, brown eyes were significantly less frequent in models than expected.
  • Results support the negative frequency-dependent selection hypothesis for model eye color.

Conclusions:

  • Model eye color frequencies deviate from general population distributions, supporting negative frequency-dependent selection.
  • Rarer eye colors might be perceived as more attractive due to their association with genetic diversity.
  • Eye color's immutability and polymorphism may enhance its role as a genetic diversity indicator in mate selection.