Kathryn wrote:
> ----- 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


There are culture factors and genetic factors with respect to 
attraction.  Cultural factors are learned and genetic factors are "hard 
wired".  For example on the genetic factors, symmetry is found 
attractive by the opposite gender.  As I recall from previous readings, 
when men from multiple cultures where asked to select the most 
attractive woman from a list of mixed races and types, symmetry won out 
across all groups.  It's apparently a sign of genetic fitness.  There 
are other body proportions that are also more desirable; torso to 
overall height, face width to height, etc.

On a different note, native tribes eating their native foods tend to 
have wider faces giving more room for a quality set of white choppers. 
Poor nutrition has an effect on face structure and I would expect would 
have a negative effect on facial and body symmetry.

-- 

Steve - [log in to unmask]

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