Latitude and intersocietal variation of human sexual dimorphism of stature

Human Ecology • Vol/Iss. 10 • Published In • Pages: 409-416 •
By Wolfe, Linda D., Gray, J. Patrick

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between sexual dimorphism of stature and latitude; data support the association. The authors also find support for an association between latitude and human marriage systems, a variable proposed by Alexander (1979) to explain variation in sexual dimorphism of stature. When societies are categorized by latitude, the relationships between marriage systems and sexual dimorphism do not reach significance. Overall the authors emphasize the influence of environmental adaptation on sexual dimorphism rather than an explanation solely focused on male-male competition.
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Kate Cummings  Amelia Piazza