dumapias.htm

Why Do People Fall in Love?

Fe Ellen Dumapias

Introduction:

Studies on human attraction indicate that there is a clear pattern of preferences irregardless of race, class or age. It seems that one key to physical attractiveness is symmetry: humans show a strong preference for individuals whose right and left sides are well matched. Symmetry is not the only criteria humans use in sexual selection. The consensus of the perfect female face have small jaws and abnormally lush lips. To date, there is no consensus perfect male face but early studies suggest that a big jaw, a strong chin, and an imposing brow are prized in a man’s face.

Concepts: sexual selection, natural selection, evolution, human behavior

Background Information:

A discussion of human behavior and sexual selection must occur prior to this lesson. This discussion needs to include underlying genetic and evolutionary reasons for mate selection.

Objective:

In this activity, students will (1) rate the attractiveness of certain individuals and measure for symmetry.

Class Time: 1 - 90 minute period or 2 - 50 minute class periods

Materials:

metric rulers

attached illustrations (you may substitute your own selections)

Teacher Preparation and Direction

1. Place students into groups of 3-4

2. Have students rate the pictures from sheets A,B, and C on a scale of 1-5 with 1 as

unattractive and 5 as most attractive.

3. Have students measure symmetry by drawing horizontal lines between paired features (outer eyes, cheek bones, inner eyes, pupils, nostrils, jawbones, and lips) and marking the midpoints.

4. Pool class data and discuss if the results supported or did not support the claim that

humans are attracted to individuals who are symmetrical.

5. Students are to determine and compare the expected midpoints to those observed.

Extensions: Students within a group can measure facial symmetry of famous athletes and famous movie stars.

Questions:

1. If specific gene types are continually being selected, why do we have so much

variation in the gene pool?

2. Discuss the evolutionary explanation of using symmetry or facial attributes as criteria

for mate selection.

3. Is symmetry the only criteria used by modern man for mate selection?

4. If symmetry is not the only criteria used for mate selection, name some examples of

criteria modern man would use to select a mate.

Resources:

Cowley, Geoffrey. The Biology of Beauty, Newsweek. June 1996.

About the Author:

Fe Ellen Dumapias is a teacher at North High School in Phoenix, Arizona. She teaches Biology as well as Anatomy and Physiology and can be contacted at North High School, 1101 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, Arizona, 85014.

Student Activity

Name _________________________ Period ___Date _________

SHEET A

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