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To: ClearCase_guy
[Changes in diet are thought to be the main cause. The switch to softer, farmed foods means that jawbones, teeth, skulls and muscles do not need to be as strong as in the past.]

Seems to carry a hint of Lamarkian Evolution.

Not at all, although I can see how it could be misread that way.

He's not saying that softer foods *caused* the genetic changes, he's saying that in an "environment" of softer foods, mankind no longer needed such long, strong jaws, and selection was then free to make the beneficial trade-off of larger craniums (with the resulting smaller faces/jaws).

78 posted on 11/20/2005 2:37:52 PM PST by Ichneumon
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To: Ichneumon

There are also other factors playing here. A lot of work has been done on facial symmetry and other factors.

Here's a link to a recent paper which will lead you to more studies if you wish.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10535106&dopt=Abstract

Bottom line: men appear to like symmetrical faces in women as do women, but other factors also come into play (cheekbones and jaws). We all know people that we find "striking" - unforgettable faces. They are usually asymmetrical. But most when asked who'd they like to "get to know better" (less sexual) will choose a much more symmetrical face.

So Mamzelle might be right about the sweet baby face in women, but women still seem to prefer "rougher" faces. Lots of factors in play here.


343 posted on 11/21/2005 7:39:01 AM PST by furball4paws (One of the last Evil Geniuses, or the first of their return.)
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