[erickejah (OP)]

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

partners? []

[DoctorBeaver]

Yes

[Chemistry4me]

No, well actually...

[DoctorBeaver]

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

[erickejah (OP)]

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

the thing is that this is not a poll.

[Chemistry4me]

What do you think then?

[erickejah (OP)]

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. []

[Chemistry4me]

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

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

[Chemistry4me]

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

[DoctorBeaver]

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

[Chemistry4me]

There is also:

good evidence that human attraction is influenced by smell

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

[BenV]

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.