Our Choice Of Mate Is Genetically Programmed

The bond of true love can be conditioned by both genes and consciousness. Maria da Graça Bikallo is a professor of immunology at the University of Parana (Brazil). Her research showed that we subconsciously choose those whose immune systems are most different from our own as partners in life.

Maria is convinced that people in the process of evolution have learned to "sniff out" partners with immune genes other than their own - in order to increase the chances of survival in offspring.

“It can be tempting to think that people choose partners because of apparent similarities,” she says. "But our research clearly demonstrates that the main reason for our choice of mate is the genetic differences necessary for the successful reproduction of offspring that are resistant to various diseases."

Maria Bicallo's team studied a group of genes known as the "major histocompatibility complex" (MHC). Scientists analyzed 90 real married couples and 152 fictitious (randomly generated by a computer).

“If MHC genes did not influence pair selection, we would see similar results for both samples. But we found that real spouses differ significantly from each other with these genes, explains Maria. "This group of genes is believed to be responsible for both immunity and fertility."

The study also shows that humans are designed in such a way that they find members of their own species with a similar set of MHC genes unattractive.

“We will probably find out what role cultural aspects of our lives play in choosing a mate. Of course, we are not claiming that a certain set of genes completely predetermines human behavior. But we also believe that this evolutionary mechanism for mate selection should not be overlooked. Our research shows that these mechanisms help ensure that offspring with strong immune systems are born,”concludes Maria.