2006/01/01 by Michael B. Lewis, Robert W. Hutkins · 4 citations
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Psychology · Veterinary · #Animal Behavior and Reproduction #Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies #Culinary Culture and Tourism #Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior
paper · doi:10.1068/p6626
openalex publication_date 2006/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/04
Previous, small scale, studies have suggested that people of mixed race are perceived as being more attractive than non-mixed-race people. Here, it is suggested that the reason for this is the genetic process of heterosis or hybrid vigour (ie cross-bred offspring have greater genetic fitness than pure-bred offspring). A random sample of 1205 black, white, and mixed-race faces was collected. These faces were then rated for their perceived attractiveness. There was a small but highly significant effect, with mixed-race faces, on average, being perceived as more attractive. This result is seen as a perceptual demonstration of heterosis in humans-a biological process that may have implications far beyond just attractiveness.