Review of Science of Sex Appeal Documentary
Katigbak, Laura Clarissa L.
Biology 1
2009-41357
The Discovery Channel documentary ‘The Science of Sex Appeal’, explores not only the factors that humans take into consideration when choosing a possible mate, it also explains the chemicals that are involved in both choosing a mate and maintaining a long term relationship with that mate. Attraction can stem from different physical features ranging from facial symmetry to body movement and even voice. Humans look for characteristics that they want to pass on to their offspring and signs of health as reflected by appearance.
When it comes to the face, attractiveness has been attributed to symmetry and balance, as well as the masculinity and femininity of a face. The
Greeks used a formula that is often found in nature called the Golden Ratio, to measure attractiveness. It measures the distance between certain points in the face and the ratios formed between them. The Golden Ratio has been used in various studies and it has been found that an attractive face usually ranges from
6 above. Another important factor in facial attractiveness is symmetry. It appears that faces that are more symmetrical are more attractive. Males and females also have distinct facial characteristics: females have more pointed, rounded jaws and lower brows while males have square angular faces and higher brows.
Males tend to gravitate towards more feminine faces in females while females are more attracted to more masculine faces in males.
People do not only focus on the face when they are looking for a mate: they also look at the body. Males look for signs that a female would be able to bear and take care of children, so they look at the breasts, waist and hips.
Females look for signs that indicate strength, so they concentrate on the torso and arms. However, body movement in consideration of body shape is also important. A person’s walk can contribute to their attractiveness, especially if paired with the right
Biology 1
2009-41357
The Discovery Channel documentary ‘The Science of Sex Appeal’, explores not only the factors that humans take into consideration when choosing a possible mate, it also explains the chemicals that are involved in both choosing a mate and maintaining a long term relationship with that mate. Attraction can stem from different physical features ranging from facial symmetry to body movement and even voice. Humans look for characteristics that they want to pass on to their offspring and signs of health as reflected by appearance.
When it comes to the face, attractiveness has been attributed to symmetry and balance, as well as the masculinity and femininity of a face. The
Greeks used a formula that is often found in nature called the Golden Ratio, to measure attractiveness. It measures the distance between certain points in the face and the ratios formed between them. The Golden Ratio has been used in various studies and it has been found that an attractive face usually ranges from
6 above. Another important factor in facial attractiveness is symmetry. It appears that faces that are more symmetrical are more attractive. Males and females also have distinct facial characteristics: females have more pointed, rounded jaws and lower brows while males have square angular faces and higher brows.
Males tend to gravitate towards more feminine faces in females while females are more attracted to more masculine faces in males.
People do not only focus on the face when they are looking for a mate: they also look at the body. Males look for signs that a female would be able to bear and take care of children, so they look at the breasts, waist and hips.
Females look for signs that indicate strength, so they concentrate on the torso and arms. However, body movement in consideration of body shape is also important. A person’s walk can contribute to their attractiveness, especially if paired with the right