June 16, 2010
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Healthy = Sexy, Right?
We’re all familiar with Darwin and his theory of Natural Selection. But did you know that he had a sub-theory called “the healthy mate theory?”
A female peacock doesn’t just choose the most brightly colored male peacock because he looks pretty. She chooses him because his vibrant colors and plentiful feathers signify a sign of health, which is important when it comes to reproduction. Female house finches do the same thing – a male with bright colors is healthy, strong (as strong as finches can be), and likely to live a long life. In some species, bright colors and detailed ornamentation suggest a “low parasite load.” Who wants to mate with someone/something that is infested with parasites?
The healthy mate theory applies to early humans as well – the women would choose the strongest and (most of the time) loudest men because this signified health and confidence. You know, those with the biggest clubs and most impressive caves.
