Experimental evidence that penis size, height, and body shape influence assessment of male sexual attractiveness and fighting ability in humans.

ABSTRACT: Why the human penis is unusually large compared to that of other primates is a long-standing evolutionary question. Sexual selection, through female mate choice and male-male competition, is a likely driver, but confirming this is difficult due to natural covariation among traits. The solution is to experimentally manipulate focal traits to identify targets of selection. Using 343 computer-generated male figures that varied in penis size, height and body shape, we experimentally tested how these traits influence perceived attractiveness and fighting ability. Over 800 participants-both male and female-viewed either life-sized (in-person) or scaled (online) animations and rated the figures. Across both settings, selection analyses revealed consistent directional selection favoring taller men

SUBMITTER: Aich U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12826512 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature