Quote:
Originally Posted by Undertoad
When we mate, in our animal nature, are we selecting for types on the basis that our offspring will survive?
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Yes- I think it's covered in the Origin of Species. There is a part of us that goes with sexual selection as we believe our offspring will directly benefit, whether we are conscious of it or not. I think it was covered in the Origin of Species at great length. I've been getting into Dawkins lately. Great topic!
Yesterday I got a Borders Rewards card for 33 percent off of anything in the store, and I am going to go pick up the Darwin book on facial features and expressions. Do those particular facial features have to do with sexual selection as well? Is this why our instinct tells us not to mate with people that we find repulsive by facial features and expression alone? We know we aren't just attracted to bodies, face matters....Is this part of trait survival?
I have noticed people in the engagement sections of the newspaper. Some of them, or an odd portion, have similar features- strangely so. I have often wondered at their likeness- in expression and/or features. Is this part of sexual selection? Are we narcissitic enough to believe, unconsciously, that whatever is like oursleves will not only survive, but is the best choice? This going merely on a curiosity of something I have noticed and pointed out several times. Some engagement photos everywhere in most papers show a remarkable resemblance between the partners. Some of this is trumped up so they look like a good couple. But most of the traits I notice that are a good likeness can not be manipulated for the sake of a good photo.
I have also noticed photos of older folks that have been married for 30 plus years. Some of them also have a remarkable resemblance to each other.
Now am I just a total freak or is there something to this phoenomenon?