Communicating Science: The human animal: biological basis of mate choice

The human animal: biological basis of mate choice - a ZSL Science and Conservation Event.

'There is a road from the eye to the heart that does not go through the intellect' GK Chesterton

Biological approaches to human behaviour suggest that human mate preferences are influenced by similar underlying mechanisms to those seen in animals. Visual cues play a large part in judgements of attractiveness, compatibility and mutual interest. Recent research has revealed new insights into the intricacies of these cues and how we form judgements based on them, either at first impression or in the early stages of courtship, without fully realising how these decisions are made.

Evolutionary explanations for human partner choice will be explored, drawing parallels with mate choice in animals. What attributes are desirable in potential partners? Does love at first sight make evolutionary sense? What does our body language reveal about how we feel?

Talks and Speakers
Evolution and human mate choice
- Professor Robin Dunbar, Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Oxford;
The human form as an ornament: perfect faces, perfect bodies, perfect genes?
- Professor Karl Grammer, Department for Anthropology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Austria; and
Preferences in humans: learning from other animals
- Dr Anthony Little, Department of Psychology, University of Stirling

Organised and chaired by Dr S. Craig Roberts, School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool.

The human animal: biological basis of mate choice Communicating Science Event abstracts (80 KB)

This event in the 'Communicating Science' series will begin at 6.00pm (doors from 5.00pm) and talks are scheduled to finish at 7.30pm; admission is free and open to everyone (no advance booking or registration required). This event will be held in the ZSL Meeting Rooms and seats will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

A dinner with the speakers will follow this event and places must be booked in advance. Please download above dinner booking form for further information.

ZSL Science and Conservation Events: An essential part of ZSL's work is to communicate relevant, high-quality zoological and conservation science. The integrated ZSL Science and Conservation Events programme includes Symposia, and the new 'Wildlife Conservation' and 'Communicating Science' series. Topics cover a wide variety of zoological and conservation themes, and international experts present and discuss their research.

Further Information: please contact Joy Hayward, Scientific Meetings Coordinator, Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY.
Tel:+44 (0)20 7449 6227. Fax: +44 (0)20 7449 6411. E-mail: joy.hayward@zsl.org.

Related links
ZSL Science and Conservation Events
Map showing ZSL Meeting Rooms
Directions to ZSL London Zoo