Possible olfaction-based mechanisms in human kin recognition and inbreeding avoidance.
Three studies explored kin recognition through olfaction. In Study I, adults (N=22) were tested for ability to identify the odors of themselves; their mother; their father; a sister; a brother; a familiar, unrelated individual; and a stranger. Acquaintances were identified as accurately as biological kin, implicating an association mechanism. However, biological kin were often confused, implicating phenotypic matching. Same-sex kin were confused more than opposite-sex kin, but mainly when same-sex kin had odors of similar intensity. Study II implicated phenotypic matching. Mothers (N=18) could identify their biological children but not their stepchildren. The preadolescent children (N=37) identified their full siblings but not half-siblings or stepsiblings. Thus, olfactory cues may help mediate favoritism of blood relatives. In Study III, mutual olfactory aversion occurred only in the father-daughter and brother-sister nuclear family relationships. Recognition occurred between opposite-sex siblings but not same-sex siblings. Thus, olfaction may help mediate the development of incest avoidance during childhood (the Westermarck effect).
Weisfeld
Glenn E
GE
Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, 71 W. Warren, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. weisfeld@sun.science.wayne.edu
Czilli
Tiffany
T
Phillips
Krista A
KA
Gall
James A
JA
Lichtman
Cary M
CM
D000328:Adult; D005075:Biological Evolution; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003241:Consanguinity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010641:Phenotype; D010675:Pheromones / Q000502:physiology; D011582:Psychological Theory; D021641:Recognition, Psychology; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology*
D010675:Pheromones