EvoS Journal: The Journal of the Evolutionary Studies Consortium
Volume 13, Special Issue 1, 2023
Title
The Sound of an Honest Signal: The Role of the FUT2 Gene in Female Voice, Health, Fertility, and Fecundity
Author(s)
Heymsfeld, S. A., Chang, M., Conner, S., Lang, J., & Shoup-Knox, M. L.
Abstract
Humans prefer the voices of females at high fertility compared to those at low fertility, suggesting the voice is an indicator of fertility within the menstrual cycle. While the acoustic mechanism of these changes has been elusive, most researchers agree that cyclic hormones are underlying any changes that occur. One factor that impacts vocal production is the quality and quantity of mucus in the vocal tract. The current paper reviews the function of a gene, FUT2, which impacts the production of mucins by epithelial and secretor cells in both the vocal and reproductive tract. We explore the possibility that estrogen is a transcription factor for this gene and that genotypes containing at least one allele of the FUT2 gene (known as secretors) have direct health and fertility advantages. Further, breastfed infants of secretors and infants who are themselves secretors are afforded additional health and cognitive advantages. Therefore, we argue that the female voice could be considered an honest indicator of a female’s health, genes, fertility, and fecundity. Further, FUT2 secretors may advertise this signal more than non-secretors. KEYWORDS: FUT2, Fertility, Ovulation Cues, Honest Signaling, Voice, Mucosa
DOI
https://doi.org/10.59077/WAGO9870
How to cite this article:
Heymsfeld, S. A., Chang, M., Conner, S., Lang, J., & Shoup-Knox, M. L. (2023). The Sound of an Honest Signal: The Role of the FUT2 Gene in Female Voice, Health, Fertility, and Fecundity. The Journal of the Evolutionary Studies Consortium, 13(Sp.Iss.1), 42-53.
