Female sparrows test the genetic make-up of their mates
Saturday, May 28, 2011 - 09:30
in Psychology & Sociology
How females select their sexual partners is a matter of more than passing concern to a large number of males. Focus has gradually switched from the idea that certain males are the most attractive or the best, and researchers are increasingly considering the idea that particular individuals might be intrinsically compatible. Dating agencies routinely include questions about potential partners' hobbies and interests. Such issues are clearly important, but new research from Austria suggests that -- at least for sparrows -- genetic considerations may also play a large part in the selection of mates.