Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: erickejah on 21/01/2009 21:06:12

Title: How do genes determine partner choice?
Post by: erickejah on 21/01/2009 21:06:12

do u think that there is anything in our genes that predetermines the way we select our

partners? [:P]

Title: Re: How do genes determine partner choice?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 21/01/2009 21:41:39

Yes

Title: Re: How do genes determine partner choice?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 21/01/2009 22:41:41

No, well actually...

Title: Re: How do genes determine partner choice?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 21/01/2009 22:57:38

So there you have it - yes, or maybe no  [:D]

Title: Re: How do genes determine partner choice?
Post by: erickejah on 22/01/2009 01:51:15

Quote from: DoctorBeaver on 21/01/2009 22:57:38

So there you have it - yes, or maybe no  [:D]

the thing is that this is not a poll. :(

Title: Re: How do genes determine partner choice?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 22/01/2009 01:55:55

What do you think then?

Title: Re: How do genes determine partner choice?
Post by: erickejah on 22/01/2009 02:29:26

I was waiting for a scientific response,, but I'm sure that there is something that sets our attractions to others, maybe is just the frequency like mr. Smith said in the podcast. [:-\]

Title: Re: How do genes determine partner choice?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 22/01/2009 05:21:23

Quote

Genetic factors can, just like social factors, influence the choice of mate.

http://www2.cnrs.fr/en/1289.htm

Title: Re: How do genes determine partner choice?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 22/01/2009 05:27:12

Quote

When it comes to picking sexual partners, genes also have their role. Studies show that we innately find people beautiful who have highly symmetrical features and clear skin. It makes sense for the genes to tweak our hormones when we see a potential mate like this. Such a person is likely to be healthy and parasite free.

http://www.thebiggestideas.com/cgi-bin/viewps.cgi?genes_in_our_livesps.txt

Title: Re: How do genes determine partner choice?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 22/01/2009 08:44:35

Allegedly we are also more likely to choose a mate with features similar to our own. I'm not entirely convinced of that.

Title: How do genes determine partner choice?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 22/01/2009 09:09:31

There is also:

Quote

good evidence that human attraction is influenced by smell

http://tribes.tribe.net/newscientist/thread/c5339e61-4541-4007-bd75-f518d69bf1de

Title: How do genes determine partner choice?
Post by: BenV on 22/01/2009 09:21:38

I'm certain we will have genetic checks in place to avoid inbreeding, and there is some suggestion that we are more attracted to people with differing MHC genes (Major Histocompatability Complex).  MHC genes are strongly involved in regulating the immune system, through cell surface antigens, which suggests that there may be a genetic imperative to endow our offspring with the most varied set of immune 'cues' as possible. 

According to wikipedia, this has been shown in mice, fish and European Americans, though not Africans.

There are then interesting behavioural/developmental issues, such as the rate of step-sibling relationships, which seem to be almost nonexistent if the step-siblings lived together prior to the age of 8.  Presumably, this is to avoid inbreeding.