Greetings everybody,

Image Source

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!! We do hope that you're all having a great day no matter what you are getting up to. However, the day is not over yet, for you men and women out there it is not too late to do something to spice up this day. Have no fear we got you covered we are going to teach you how to impress the ladies the NATURE way! And for those of you who are having a girly night in, this is going to be a bit of a laugh really.

So lets get on then!

Firstly, what is a courtship display? well it is a performance taken on by animals seeking to advertise their  intentions to find a partner and mate. Examples include the peacocks tail but in monogamous species these displays are solely to reaffirm the bond between them, so public affection really. 

Rule #1: Moonwalking! It's swarve...

One dance move fits all, even in nature... the moonwalk! This is guaranteed to get her attention, all girls like a guy who can dance and shuffle his feet. 

Rule #2: Saucy dancing. Yes. Gifts. Yes! Second base. No!

Showing your other half your moves in a hot sexy tango or salsa dance, muy caliente, and giving her gifts even if all of them are blue is very sweet (probably not when you have just met her of course), but going straight for second base with a girl you have just met, we advise against it, even if it did work out for him, you do this you're up for a slapped face.

Rule #3: Show how much you appreciate and love your mate.

These lovely birds are Clark's Grebe (Aechmophorus clarkii) and they mate for life! What you have just seen is a dance that both the male and female carry out to reaffirm and strengthen their bonds. How romantic, these birds are not afraid of public affection and adoration for one another, and we love it! 

Rule #4: Attention to detail is crucial!!

Now, we are not encouraging you to go out and make a 'seduction parlor' (and if you have one maybe you have found some inspiration for your interior). But women do appreciate the little things you do whether it is rose petals on the bed, or having a candlelit dinner to set the scene, and you know if you do happen to bring a man or woman back then it would be best that your house isn't a bomb site.

Rule #5: Pink is Masculine

Pink things seem girly however as seen in the male hooded seals (cystophora cristata) mating ritual. A hot-pink balloon is used to demonstrate manliness. So remember to pull out all the stops and show off. Unlike these creatures, a fight with your competition is not advised. 

Overall you find these tips helpful and that nature have taught you a few things. Have a lovely Valentine's. 

@Biobunch. 

Over and Out. 

Read more »

Unknown

Greetings everybody, 

today we will be discussing sexual arousal/attraction and the biology that defines sexual preference. Sexual attraction is courting on the basis of sexual desire. “Attraction has a lot more to do with science and evolution than people might think” says Dr. Laura Berman. Unconsciously humans have evolved several mechanisms to enable us to pick out our perfect mates.

Image Source

Phenotypes and sexual  attraction

Facial symmetry is considered a sign of beauty and is an indication for good genes for reproductive health. In a study conducted by Joanna E. Scheib, Steven W. Gangestad and Randy Thornhill it was found that symmetry in males has an effect on sexual behavior as men with a higher degree of symmetry had more sexual partners compared to men with a lower degree of symmetry. According to a University of Edinburgh study symmetrical faces correlate with long term mental performance. Good facial symmetry is an implication that a male has experienced fewer genetic disturbances (e.g. genetic mutations) and environmental pressures (e.g. toxins and malnutrition) while growing. "If you choose a perfectly symmetrical partner and reproduce with them, your offspring will have a better chance of being symmetric and able to deal with perturbations." said evolutionary biologist Randy Thornhill of the University of New Mexico.

Aside from symmetry, structure of an individual’s face also gives an indication to fertility. Estrogen is responsible for the formation of a female's lower face, chin and brow, making them relatively small and short in order for eyes to appear prominent. On the other hand male faces are carved by testosterone, which helps establish a larger and square lower face, jaw and a prominent brow. Studies found that males preferred the more infant-like (small jaw, large eyes and defined cheekbones) female faces which indicated high levels of estrogen. Whereas female choice was depended on how far along the woman was in her menstrual cycle. Females prefer a male with a masculine face when ovulating and the more feminine one when not.

Image Source - Figures with WTH ranging from 0.9 to 0.5

Of Course, body’s proportions and shape play a vital part too. Waist-hip ratio signify reproductive health in both men and women. Sex hormones (testosterone in men and estrogen in women) determine where fat is stored on the body. If a woman creates the right combination and quantity of estrogen, her WHR(waist-hip ratio) will instinctively result with a body with a WHR in the desired range. Likewise individuals in the model hip-ratio range are less prone to diseases including cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and diabetes.

A WHR of 0.7 in western cultures is most desired in women. However males from South America and Africa preferred a WHR of 0.8/0.9. And a ratio of 0.9 in men’s bodies has been considered most attractive to women. However WCR (waist-chest ratio) plays a significant role in male attraction as broad shoulders and muscular chest with a slim waist (known as “V” shape) is often found attractive by females.

Image Source

Biochemical Odors

In the modern age today men and women spend vast amount of time on seeking a trademark scent that is found attractive by the opposite sex/same sex. But why? It only covers the natural odors scientists say that potential mates find most appealing. Odor affects us unconsciously and evolutionary biologists believe the sense of smell was heavily depended upon in an ancestral environment. A group of individuals (which might have included extended family) living together wouldn’t be able to determine whether they were blood-relative, to avoid incest with kin, it was likely that scent was used to avoid this. In a study by Anja Rikowski and Karl Grammer women rated the scent of t-shirts to classify whether the odor was attractive or unattractive. Females were more attracted to males with dissimilar MHC (major histocompatibility complex - a collection of genes that are related to immune systems) from their own in order to provide offspring a stronger and diverse immune system.

Odors let individuals know when a woman is fertile and when a man’s testosterone levels are high. When women are ovulating they secrete copulins a scent found appealing by men. Testosterone levels rise and men secrete androstenone an odor that repels women who aren’t ovulating. Usually a male can rate a female is attractive or not by looking at her photograph, however it was found that men who inhaled a low dose of copulins lost the ability to distinguish between an attractive and a less attractive female due to a rise in the levels of testosterone which reduces clear thinking.

Image Source

Cognition and attraction

Just like a drug, love and sexual attraction largely revokes around dopamine reward system in brain circuitry. Dopamine stimulates desire and reward by triggering an intense rush of pleasure.

The topics we have covered today can differ from person to person, however are all naturally a part of the human species.

Biobunch

Over and out.

Read more »

Unknown