The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast 184. Death, Disease, and Politics | Dr. Randy Thornhill
Jul 26, 2021
Dr. Randy Thornhill, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biology at the University of New Mexico, dives into the interplay of evolutionary biology, attractiveness, and politics. He discusses cryptic female choice and how physical symmetry signals health and desirability. Thornhill elaborates on his parasite-stress theory, linking infectious diseases to shifts in political ideologies and societal behaviors, particularly during crises like COVID. The connection between health, cognitive ability, and political preferences is highlighted, portraying a fascinating picture of our evolutionary influences.
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Symmetry and Attractiveness
- Bilateral symmetry, a marker of developmental health, is a key factor in attractiveness across the animal kingdom.
- Organisms are designed to be symmetrical for efficient movement, making asymmetry a sign of developmental instability.
Cryptic Female Choice and Orgasm
- Female orgasm might function as a form of cryptic female choice, influencing which sperm is more likely to fertilize the egg.
- Uterine contractions during orgasm pull sperm towards the cervix, giving an advantage to preferred partners.
Symmetry and IQ
- Bilateral symmetry correlates with higher IQ, suggesting a link between developmental health and cognitive ability.
- Measurement error in both IQ and symmetry assessments might underestimate the true strength of this correlation.