Research papers

From the dance of the sexes to child-rearing practices to how we cooperate and clash: These are the kinds of questions pondered annually at the worldwide gathering of the Human Behavior and Evolution Society, which held its 23rd meeting last June 29-July 3 in Montpellier, France. The researchers put a decidedly Darwinian frame on things, emphasizing evolved nature over the nurture of accumulated culture. (Leading to criticisms of the field as not-quite science, but so many "just-so" stories dressed up with data, our answer to "How the Leopard Got his Spots.") 

And while not all of the papers delivered dealt directly with sexuality, a good number did. Past years have brought the likes of:

1 The human penis as a semen displacement device.

2 The composition of human semen and its possible effects on female behavior.

3 Men in committed, romantic relationships have lower testosterone 

4 A great sense of humor is a good genes indicator: ovulatory cycle effects on the sexual attractiveness of male humor ability. 

In honor of our Lust Issue, we present you with the Darwin Between the Sheets Challenge: Which of the titles below are actual symposium papers and posters from last summer's gathering? Which are not?   Answers below. No fair Googling. 

In honor of our Lust Issue, we present you with the Darwin Between the Sheets Challenge: Which of the titles below are actual symposium papers and posters from last summer's gathering? Which are not?   Answers below. No fair Googling. 

1 Mate choice and stature in African Pygmies.

2 Variation in perceptions of physical dominance and trustworthiness predicts individual differences in the effect of relationship context on women's preferences for masculine pitch in men's voices.

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