The evolution of reduced body hair distinguishes humans from other anthropoid primates. However, humans retain marked patches of hair on the face and body, of which beardedness is highly sexual dimorphic. Darwin suggested that facial hair reflects effects of sexual selection during the course of human evolution, but only relatively recently have these ideas been tested. In this seminar, I will synthesise phylogenetic comparative research, studies in the lab and cross-cultural research in order to shed light on whether evolution by sexual selection has shaped beardedness in men.

Dr Barnaby Dixson is a human behavioural ecologist and is particularly interested in the evolution of human mate choice and partner preferences. His research involves a combination of cross-cultural data collection in small-scale societies, behavioral research in the lab and phylogenetic analyses. His current research aims to understand how economic and environmental factors are associated with men’s fatherhood in rural communities in Vanuatu.