Researchers Say Human Faces Took Shape Due To Violence

New research from scientists at the University of Utah suggests that human faces evolved as a means of protection against violence.


New research from scientists at the University of Utah suggests that human faces evolved as a means of protection against violence.


Much of their theory comes from the fact that changes in facial structure that would make bones less vulnerable to hits developed about the same time as humans' ability to make a fist.


Said one of the researchers, "If indeed the evolution of our hand proportions were associated with selection for fighting behavior you might expect the primary target, the face, to have undergone evolution to better protect it from injury when punched."


Further, facial parts showing the greatest strength happen to be the ones most likely to be struck.

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In developing and supporting their theory they studied the evolution of the Australopithecus, the genus that immediately preceded the present one of Homo.


They found in them several characteristics that would have made violence easier to exact.


In addition to hands being able to form fists and become weapons, legs and arms developed in a way that would have made humans more capable to fight one another.


Also noted is that faces have since become less rugged, as upper body strength has declined over time.
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