Anatomy of Beauty Anatomy 5217 Richard Wassersug Fall, 2007

Symmetry The Concept of Fluctuating Asymmetry –a measure of developmental stability examples, breast asymmetry, pelvis, leg length, dancing styles –Scoliosis, back pain –Voice quality and symmetry Implication to fitness – Symmetry reflects breeding qualities such as disease resistance, desirable genes, healthy diet and potential reproductive success.

On Averaging and Esthetic Computer morphing and beautythe more faces used to morph a common face, the more attractive the face is generally judged to be. Hence, human beauty is closer to the average than to an extreme. Note: Under stabilizing natural selection, the average individual is likely to be the most fit.

Androgyny and Michael Jackson …or on looking pretty, but not looking normal. Examples: An androgynous appearance is averaging of male and female traits. This can appear pretty, but at the same time not necessarily normal or natural. Michael Jackson = mix of male/female, black/white features.

More on Morphing Faces Photographs of human faces judged most attractive are typically also most symmetrical, and the degree of facial symmetry generally coincided with body symmetry. However manipulated facial photographs of people where mirror images of left and right sides were matched to produce perfect symmetry were not invariable selected as most attractive. Hence some asymmetry in a person s face may enhance beautiful … or at least help make it look natural. Swaddle JP & I.C. Cuthill, IC 1995 Asymmetry and human facial attractiveness: symmetry may not always be beautiful. Proc. Roy. Soc. London B 261:

When asymmetry is beauty…

The Golden Mean A________________C_________B such that: AB/AC = AC/BC = With respect to human body proportions, the navel divides the bodys height at the Golden Mean. There are several other examples in the human face and body; e.g., ratio of phalangeal elements in human hand. Also about where most people part their hair.

Log Spiral 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34…

Fibonacci Series Fibonacci numbers & the Golden Mean If we take the ratio of two successive numbers in Fibonacci's series, (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13,..) and we divide each by the number before it, we will find the following series of numbers: 1/1 = 1, 2/1 = 2, 3/2 = 1 · 5, 5/3 = 1 · , 8/5 = 1 · 6, 13/8 = 1 · 625, 21/13 = 1 ·

Female Beauty & Sexual Attractiveness 1.Youthful > high fecundity. 2.Virginal appearance/status > assurance of paternity for male. 3.Waist to hip ratio > esthetically most appealing ratio does have the highest fecundity. 4.Breast > fat stores plus mammary glands Fat reserves for fetus Milk for young

Male Beauty Measures of strength Shoulder width, height Facial hair Accentual jaws; which are important anatomical structures used in fighting and killing. Pitch of voice Women and children: high pitch Men: low pitch Due to hormonal influences at puberty

False Versus True Advertising In males… In females… What do humans do to enhance beauty/attractiveness? Cost/benefits?

Thank you!