Photo: Symmetrical Bodies Are More Beautiful to Humans

Email to a Friend << Back to Full Story


Virtual wire-mesh models show typical male and female body shapes.

Using similar 3-D models with the heads removed, researchers found that symmetrical bodies are more appealing to the opposite sex and that traditionally masculine and feminine traits are tied to symmetry.

The scientists suggest in an August 2008 paper that humans may be hardwired to respond to body symmetry as a sign of biological fitness.

Image courtesy Lisa Naugle

MOST VIEWED NEWS

PICTURES: 2012 Doomsday Myths Debunked

2012: Six End-of-the-World Myths Debunked

APOCALYPSE PICTURES: 10 Failed Doomsday Prophecies
NEWS FEEDS    After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed. After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed.

Get our news delivered directly to your desktop—free.
How to Use XML or RSS

ADVERTISEMENT

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC'S PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's National Geographic Photo of the Day

• Today's Photo

• Download as Wallpaper

50 Drives of a Lifetime

National Geographic Traveler has scoured the globe for the world's most beautiful, interesting, and off-beat road trips. Dive in to get drive directions, quizzes, photos, and more.