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Preferences for markers of health status in humans
Jíchová, Františka ; Havlíček, Jan (advisor) ; Fiala, Vojtěch (referee)
Several evolutionary hypotheses suggest that different organisms have evolved systematic preferences for markers of mate health. These markers may provide clues to an individual's immunocompetence, current health status, and health history. Correct recognition of good health helps to select a quality partner who can offer advantages such as good genetic qualities that can be passed on to offspring, can participate more effectively in the care of offspring, and thus does not put the individual at risk of infection. Awareness of these markers may be important not only in mate choice but also in other social interactions in which it is important mainly to correctly estimate current health and possibly avoid interaction with an infectious individual. Preference for markers of health in humans may be based, for example, on visual cues in the face, such as color, sexual dimorphism, skin texture, or an assessment of overall stature. Markers may also be olfactory, where an unattractive odor may indicate the presence of a potential disease. Last but not least, there are acoustic markers. However, the interaction of the manifestations of each modality may also be important. The aim of my bachelor thesis is to provide a theoretical overview of the association of current health, immunocompetence and health...
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