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Fluctuating asymmetry and psychometric intelligence

F B Furlow1, T Armijo-Prewitt, S W Gangestad

  • 1Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque 87131-1091, USA. mycol1@unm.edu

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|June 22, 1997
PubMed
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Human intelligence (IQ) differences may stem from genetic vulnerabilities to developmental stress. Body asymmetry, a marker of developmental instability, correlated with lower IQ scores in two student samples, suggesting indirect genetic influences on intelligence.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Behavioral Genetics
  • Human Intelligence Research

Background:

  • The genetic basis of human psychometric intelligence (IQ) remains largely unknown.
  • Heritability of IQ is often attributed to direct genetic influences on intelligence itself.
  • An indirect genetic mechanism involving developmental stress is hypothesized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the hypothesis that IQ differences are partly due to heritable vulnerabilities to environmental developmental stress.
  • To explore the relationship between developmental instability, measured by fluctuating asymmetry (FA), and IQ.
  • To examine potential physiological mechanisms linking FA and IQ.

Main Methods:

  • Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of the body was measured as an indicator of developmental instability.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Cattell's Culture Fair Intelligence Test (CFIT) was administered to assess psychometric intelligence.
  • Two independent samples of undergraduates (N=112 and N=128) were studied.

    • Main Results:

    • A significant negative correlation was found between FA and CFIT scores in both samples.
    • Higher body asymmetry was associated with lower IQ scores.
    • This suggests developmental instability is linked to reduced cognitive ability.

    Conclusions:

    • Findings support the hypothesis of an indirect genetic mechanism for IQ heritability via developmental stress.
    • Proposed physiological explanations include compromised brain development or altered energy allocation in high-FA individuals.
    • Improving developmental quality may enhance average IQ in future generations.