14 DAY TRIAL // Scientists at the University of Exeter have recently completed their latest scientific study, which hints at the fact that males may have more pronounced personality traits across a wide range of species, from humans to house sparrows. Traits such as aggression and daring, which are sought-for in a male, and preferred by females, were also found to persist in high amounts. Across all the studied species, issues related to parental care, aggression and risk-taking were found to be more consistent, predictable and dependable in males than in females, the science group reveals, quoted by e! Science News.
“Our study is the first to bring together research about the impact of [mate] selection on personality in humans and other animals. Our study suggests that, while males tend to exhibit more pronounced personalities, including more predictable behavior, in a range of different contexts, females are more receptive to these traits in males. We found a surprising level of similarity across a range of species,” University of Exeter Professor Dr. Wiebke Schuett, the lead author of the new investigation, explains.
A host of past studies, some going as far back as 1972, were used as a basis for the current research, Details of the findings appear in the November 18 issue of the respected scientific journal Biological Reviews, the team reports. The new report is the latest in a row from the University of Exeter, to bring evidence in favor of the idea that personality traits are a clear element that favors mate selection. The original theory on this issue was set forth by Charles Darwin himself, the author of the theory of evolution through natural selection.
“This body of research suggests that male personality could have evolved in much the same way as signs of physical attractiveness – to help attract a mate. Scientists have not given the role of mate selection in shaping animal personality much consideration in the past. We hope that our work will pave the way for further research in this rather overlooked subject,” Dr. Sasha Dall, the leader of the UE team, adds.