Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Attraction and Our Genes


“Opposites attract” is a common phrase applied to the realm of dating, however, our genes may dictate the contrary. Several universities conducted a joint analysis of mating patterns and found that individuals have a tendency to have partners with similar DNA. This is called assortative mating. The similar genetic ancestry is a stronger factor that socioeconomic status or educational levels when choosing a mate. The genetic ancestry was so similar that the average couple shared the genetic equivalence of third or fourth cousins.
            One could argue that assortative mating is common because individuals are ethnically or racially similar tend to live in the same population. It is obvious that we have some conscious control over who we choose to date. Some are more selective than others. Some show a similar trend while others don’t. Ultimately, it’s neither solely by choice or genetic predisposition, but a comprehensive spectrum.

http://news.discovery.com/human/genetics/attraction-guided-by-our-genes-151019.htm

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-05/esoh-oa052109.php

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