Debate Over Human Sexual Dimorphism Highlights How Assumptions Shape Scientific Hypotheses
By
Ambika Kamath
Kettled twice. Extra chewy, extra trustworthy.
Summary
This article analyzes a debate between Holly Dunsworth and Jerry Coyne about the evolution of sexual dimorphism in humans, specifically why males and females differ in average body size. Coyne argues that sexual selection (male competition for females) explains the size difference, while Dunsworth challenges the assumptions underlying this hypothesis. The article uses the debate as a case study to explore how scientific hypotheses emerge from unexamined assumptions, and how these assumptions shape what researchers consider "facts" about sexual behavior and evolution.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledSexual dimorphism for body size (the difference between men and women) in humans is most likely explained by sexual selection
males compete for females, and greater size and strength give males an advantage
The hypotheses that get tested do not emerge from a vacuum. All hypotheses emerge from assumptions, whether we recognize them or not.
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