Is beauty really in the proportions?

Many scientific studies promote that the "secret" to what we consider beautiful is simply possessing a symmetrical face. The evolutionary reasoning for this may be two-fold: 1. Mating with someone physically attractive will increase the chances of my off-spring finding a mate since he/she will be perceived as desirable and will ensure the passing of my own genes. 2. Physical symmetry suggests health and freedom from disease.

 Elder, a British Orthodontist supported the idea that bilateral symmetry represents "high-worth" when looking for a mate. Symmetry represents freedom from disease, since many diseases leave one's face and body in non-proportional states. Elder's claims have been further supported by the suggestion that the ability to cope with such pressures is represented in greater symmetrical features - that is, if someone is able to maintain symmetrical features despite fluctuating environmental factors, then that individual must be fit! This may seem like a stretch, but even the most subtle differences, such as wrinkles, a slightly off-centered eye or lips are unconsciously registered in our minds when evaluating attractiveness. However, having a slight lack of symmetry may actually be beneficial: Nigel Parry, a Vogue portrait photographer for over 20 years deviates from this belief, supporting the view that "what makes a classic pretty face is generally something a little unusual -- there shouldn't be perfection on both sides,".

So who is correct?

Off topic article: What Makes Somebody Decide to Accept Evolution: "neither being religious nor knowing the facts about evolution were reliable predictors of an individual's acceptance of evolution. But "intuitive cognitions" about evolution were predictive"

See Huffington Post article for more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/20/evolution-belief_n_1218529.html

The Wonders of Human Teeth (or why i should really start remembering to wear my retainer more often)

One human organ is both exceptionally well-preserved in the fossil record and has the potential to provide us with endless information about our evolutionary history. This organ is our teeth!  They also offer an explanation as to how humans secured their position at the  “top of the food chain.” One reason why humans have successfully been able to exploit such a wide diet is the precision and efficiency with which our distinctly mammalian teeth work. In a process known as occlusion, the many bumps and ridges in our molars fit together perfectly, breaking down various types of food in an extremely efficient manner. Additionally, our incisors, front teeth, work something like reptilian teeth, cutting into food like blades. The efficiency of our molars, coupled with the diverse functions of our differentiated teeth, allows mammals like humans to consume an exceptionally diverse array of foods, part of the key to our ability to occupy lots of niches and therefore nearly all the habitats on earth.