Name: Anonymous 2012-01-05 22:20
of boobs? Alternatively, what is the EVOLUTIONARY DISADVANTAGE? The way I figure, any sex-specific trait must have both an advantage and disadvantage; even if a trait is only useful to one sex, why make it sex-specific if it offers no disadvantage? For example, males have nipples, which presumably have no advantage but no disadvantage either.
The obvious answer has to do with their role in breast-feeding. But I'm told that such pronounced breasts are unnecessary for this, and humans are unique among mammals for having perpetually swollen breasts. Apparently other primates only have breasts when lactating, and they are typically less prominent than human ones.
I've developed a theory, but it's a bit politically incorrect. I've noticed that the breasts I find most attractive almost without exception belong to females who are at their most fertile; typically between the ages of 15 and 25. So might it be the case that breasts primarily serve not for maternal nutrition, but as a quick way for males to tell who is most fertile? A sort of biological freshness indicator? I recognize that this theory is not satisfying emotionally, since it's basically saying females go to the trouble of having breasts just so that males can objectify them better.
As for the disadvantage, I can't be sure but I suspect they might make athleticism more difficult. Also perhaps the mere process of developing them uses up additional resources.
The obvious answer has to do with their role in breast-feeding. But I'm told that such pronounced breasts are unnecessary for this, and humans are unique among mammals for having perpetually swollen breasts. Apparently other primates only have breasts when lactating, and they are typically less prominent than human ones.
I've developed a theory, but it's a bit politically incorrect. I've noticed that the breasts I find most attractive almost without exception belong to females who are at their most fertile; typically between the ages of 15 and 25. So might it be the case that breasts primarily serve not for maternal nutrition, but as a quick way for males to tell who is most fertile? A sort of biological freshness indicator? I recognize that this theory is not satisfying emotionally, since it's basically saying females go to the trouble of having breasts just so that males can objectify them better.
As for the disadvantage, I can't be sure but I suspect they might make athleticism more difficult. Also perhaps the mere process of developing them uses up additional resources.