----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dedy Rundle" <[log in to unmask]>


> Seems evolution IS still going on... 
> 'Women are getting more beautiful'
> http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article6727710.ece
> 

There was an interesting (though criticized) article in Newsweek on June 29.  It was written under the heading of health, evolution, behavior by Sharon Begley, one of my favorite science editors.

The article discusses evolutionary biology and the theory that we possess traits "encoded by genes that confer an advantage on anyone who possesses them."  Randy Thornhill's book, "a natural history of rape: biological basis of sexual coercion" is discussed as well as attractive women being most fertile, et cetera.  But the article goes on to present the opposite view as well.

This seems a bit off-topic for our list, but the article does present the the idea that mans' view of which women have the most attractive bodies varies from country to country and has to do with what men in various countries consider a woman's optimum body shape.  Boy, is this a stretch - but... body shape has to do in some part with diet.  Can't believe I'm giving this is a rationale for posting the following:     :)

Kath

www.Newsweek.com/id/202789