Anthropology, Department of
Date of this Version
2009
Abstract
A review of the literature has been undertaken showing that higher levels of pathogen stress have been positively correlated with multiple aspects of social structure: non-sororal polygyny (Ember et al. 2007; Low 1990), exogamy and bride capture (Low 1990), resource defense (Barber 2008; Hames 1996), and male-female body alteration (Singh and Bronstad 1997). Non-sororal polygyny is the most effective reproductive strategy to defend against pathogen stress, as it promotes much genetic variability within gene pools, allowing for more pathogenic resistance in individuals because of heterozygous al/eles. In order to secure mates while faced with ecological extremes, individuals will modify their bodies to increase the attractiveness, an indicator of pathogen resistance (Low 1990; Gangestad and Buss 1993). Intrasocietal data are needed to test the direct relations between pathogenically debilitated individuals and likelihood of obtaining a mate (Low 1990). Intra-societal data are also needed to test the direct relations between pathogenically debilitated individuals and intensity of body modification (Singh and Bronstad 1997).
Comments
Published in Nebraska Anthropologist Vol. 24 (2009). Copyright © Dylan Wall; published by The University of Nebraska-Lincoln AnthroGroup.