| Title: | Possible olfaction-based mechanisms in human kin recognition and inbreeding avoidance |
| Author(s): | Weisfeld GE; Czilli T; Phillips KA; Gall JA; Lichtman CM; |
| Address: | "Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, 71 W. Warren, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. weisfeld@sun.science.wayne.edu" |
| DOI: | 10.1016/s0022-0965(03)00061-4 |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 0022-0965 (Print) 0022-0965 (Linking) |
| Abstract: | "Three studies explored kin recognition through olfaction. In Study I, adults (N=22) were tested for ability to identify the odors of themselves; their mother; their father; a sister; a brother; a familiar, unrelated individual; and a stranger. Acquaintances were identified as accurately as biological kin, implicating an association mechanism. However, biological kin were often confused, implicating phenotypic matching. Same-sex kin were confused more than opposite-sex kin, but mainly when same-sex kin had odors of similar intensity. Study II implicated phenotypic matching. Mothers (N=18) could identify their biological children but not their stepchildren. The preadolescent children (N=37) identified their full siblings but not half-siblings or stepsiblings. Thus, olfactory cues may help mediate favoritism of blood relatives. In Study III, mutual olfactory aversion occurred only in the father-daughter and brother-sister nuclear family relationships. Recognition occurred between opposite-sex siblings but not same-sex siblings. Thus, olfaction may help mediate the development of incest avoidance during childhood (the Westermarck effect)" |
| Keywords: | "Adult Biological Evolution Choice Behavior *Consanguinity Female Humans Male Middle Aged Phenotype Pheromones/physiology Psychological Theory *Recognition, Psychology Sexual Behavior/*physiology Smell/*physiology;" |
| Notes: | "MedlineWeisfeld, Glenn E Czilli, Tiffany Phillips, Krista A Gall, James A Lichtman, Cary M eng 2003/06/18 J Exp Child Psychol. 2003 Jul; 85(3):279-95. doi: 10.1016/s0022-0965(03)00061-4" |
