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Tag: homogamy

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1 posts found
Mar 21, 2013
ssc
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8 min 1,127 words 37 comments
Scott explores the conflicting evidence on whether humans are attracted to genetically similar or dissimilar partners, concluding with a paradoxical observation that both seem true in different contexts. Longer summary
This post discusses the conflicting evidence on whether humans are attracted to genetically similar or dissimilar partners. It starts with the argument for genetic dissimilarity, citing examples from nature and studies on MHC complexes. Then, it presents evidence for genetic similarity, including genetic sexual attraction and studies showing people tend to marry those similar to them. The post concludes that current evidence suggests people are attracted to genetic similarity except for MHC complexes, where they prefer difference. The author expresses confusion about this seemingly contradictory conclusion. Shorter summary