Angier, however, argues that while beauty serves a purpose, its high social importance is a modern phenomenon. Evolutionary psychologists insist that a women s beauty is the most important factor to men, Angier said. But I wonder if that was true of men in prehistoric times, when it was more important to have a woman who showed she was able to care for the children. Evolving Views of Women s Bodies and Human Beauty, combined her love of evolutionary theory and biology to demonstrate what role beauty plays in different cultures and species. Humans go to great extremes to be outfitted in the latest fashions because it is an indicator of social status, she said.
Grooming also has important social implications for humans and other species.
While grooming is the No. 1 social activity of chimpanzees, hair despair is unique to humans, Angier said. We all judge hair that is unfussed. Despite the trouble humans endure to emulate the social ideal, Angier said studies show beauty isn t everything. And I think they are true, to a certain extent. A group of theorists known as evolutionary psychologists tested their theory that men are more attracted to a woman s face that has a smaller chin and nose, high cheekbones and large lips.