Evolutionary role of handsomeness?

Wolvesontheloose · 2018-05-12T22:17:16+00:00

Why does the brightest peacock get the female? He's literally a walking target for predators.

Because his feathers are a sign of his genetical fitness and he is well fed so his genes can come into full fruition. He is alive as well so he might have some agility to escape predators etc..

anonanonetc · 2018-05-12T22:15:09+00:00

Visual cues probably predate sexual dimorphism. We all find pretty things attractive.

[deleted] · 2018-05-13T02:23:23+00:00

Handsome...

Height, muscular, proportionate, symmetric, lowbodyfat, "Blue Steel^TM"....

All indicators that you have genes consistent with a well-performing human.

So women think... "I should fuck that, so my kid will be a well performing human, and daddy will be a good provider as a well performing human."

kranos33 · 2018-05-13T07:35:49+00:00

Symmetry, both in the face and the body, height, and proportions (the V shape), are the most important parts. They are markers of "health" and genetic fitness that can't be faked, and an indicator that your babies are more likely to survive and become successful. Even 3 months babies stare longer at symmetric faces, which indicate that it is a 'innate' desire and humans are born to value it highly.

Same reason that men value women with large chest, and a certain hips/waist ratio. They measured that ratio, and it is a indicator of high fertility in women. We, men, were born with this knowledge, as the guys that didn't value that ratio, didn't successfully reproduce offsprings and their genes died out.

Yeah, muscles are important as well, but they come secondary. (they can improve your V shape, and general tone, but they can't fix your symmetry).

There is a reason that many actors are 'good looking' and successful, yet are not really ripped/very muscular:

https://d3j0sq6zklqdqq.cloudfront.net/photos/2016/07/08/53-35701-sean-connery-shirtless-1467995986.jpg

https://ddydc3qiky-flywheel.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/20-actors-who-went-through-insane-physical-transformations-for-a-role-604527.jpg

ChicksLoveAJ1s · 2018-05-12T22:16:07+00:00

High testosterone is the main factor which makes a man handsome, it’s the cause for a square jaw, high cheekbones, dark hair and thick eyebrows -all attractive features. Testosterone also is good for dominance and high status because testosterone increases muscle and strength. Other attractive features unrelated to testosterone like facial symmetry and height displays signs of good genetics.

Cardinal85 · 2018-05-12T22:24:12+00:00

Well all that theoretically matters to women when selecting a mate is the resources he can provide to her kids and genetics that will positively affect their fecundity. If any male can provide that then the personal preference of looks will be selected and it will probably be similar to her own makeup. In birds, traits that are negative for survival rate such as brighter plumage get selected for because if they can survive with a target on their back, they must have other really good qualities. Since there really is no life or death factor in the offspring of today's world based off fathers traits, looks matter more to us than in let's say Neanderthals

The126thConquerer · 2018-05-13T01:31:51+00:00

Strength, mainly survival and provisioning ability. These functions are not relevant or necessary in today’s social order which is not nearly as violent as it used to be, which is why I would say looks are not really that relevant, necessary, or enough anymore for men, rather game/status is (game embodies high testosterone-caused personality traits like confidence and assertiveness which are far more relevant for survival today than physical traits). Looks get you IOIs and get you through the door, but are pointless beyond that. That’s where game and status come in.

For women though, looks are still very very important because they indicate fertility, and this trait is important because the species must continue regardless of the social order.

Morphs_ · 2018-05-13T13:33:02+00:00

Handsomeness and facial symmetry are signs of strong genes, which means you are more likely to survive a disease, have a better immune system, etc.

neverquitman · 2018-05-12T22:54:19+00:00

I do not know much about handsomeness but I think it is a beta trait.

Drop that notion.

Stay with healthy thoughts.

Title	Evolutionary role of handsomeness?
Author	BobMargarita
Upvotes	3
Comments	13
Date	May 12, 2018 10:10 PM UTC (8 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/askTRP
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/asktrp/comments/8izc4k/evolutionary_role_of_handsomeness/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/askTRP/evolutionary-role-of-handsomeness.97054 https://theredarchive.com/post/97054

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