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| Male model Stav Strashko showing no remains of dimorphism |
Malevolution II
Leaving the Seadevil Behind
When an animal species is in danger, sexual dimorphism may be essential to it's survival.
That biological term refers to the differences in shape, size or body structure that distinguish the sexes within a single species.
If you're, say, a male Hawai'ian spider, your chances reproduction will be increased if you remember that the female spider is the one ten times larger than yourself!
But getting laid as a spider will also have a major downside: in many species, the female spider eats the male after copulation...
Now, if you're a male pheasant, you'll be not only larger than your spouse, but also much more beautiful, displaying a fancy, colorful plumage, as opposed to the female's dull, pale feathers
In those species, identity mistakes are less likely to occur, since the members of the "opposite sex" are easily distinguishable. (I guess that cross-dressing is a major feat for an arachnid!)
On the other side of the scale, there are species in which genders are practically undistinguishable, as males and females look exactly the same.
Some animals are even hermaphrodites, meaning that they have both male and female sexual characteristics and organs.
If you were, say, a garden snail, during your intercourses you could act either as a male or as a female... or you could even fertilize yourself! (What happens when these guys masturbate, one wonders?)
My highly un-scientific conclusion is that, the more the reproductive activity of an animal species is threatened by it's environment, the more sexual-dimorphism it presents (and accordingly it lays not one, but thousands of eggs... just to be sure). They can't risk any identity mistakes (and probably homosexuality is rare as well... are there any biologists among my readers?)
In more evolved mammals, sex differences may be less extreme (and homosexual behaviours can be noted), since the environment presents less of a threat to reproduction, and as larger brains enable them either to evade dangers more effectibly or to become better predators.
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| Male and female orangutans are difficult to tell apart. |
As we approach to Human dimorphism, controversies arise.
Although we do present several dimorphic traits, from an exclusively biological point of view, psychologically culturally things are not so simple.
This being a humble fashion blog, I'm not capable of getting into those arguments. All I can tell you is that along the past centuries, our clothing has attempted to further enhance our sexual differences in order to increase our chances of breeding.
Ladies have lured their mates by slenderizing their waists with corsets, increasing their hips with crinolines, bringing attention to their breasts by means of frills and laces...
But things change, evolve.
Humanity is no longer facing the menace of having too little offsprings. Quite on the contrary, we are succumbing to an excessive birth rate, which might extinguish the resources of our planet.
Small wonder, "sexual dimorphism" is ceasing to be a priority in the world of fashion.
Comfortable, functional apparel is now available for the working woman, who is concerned not only about her charms, but also about her career.
Likewise, adventurous men are finally given the option of showing their more delicate, subtle attributes by wearing garments that used to be considered "feminine"... without being mocked at.
(Yes, I know, we're not there yet, but that's the way we're heading!)
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| Rad Hourani offers to us a unisex, gender-less society, with interchangeable items for both sexes. |
As we evolve further away from bugs and anemonae, we may cleverly circumvent the dangers of overpopulation and depletion of our planetary resources, among other things, by fashion-freedom: by dressing for own pleasure, for the sake of style and expression of our inner-self, not only in order to attract the members of the opposite sex.
(Paradoxically, from my experience, for some as yet unanalyzed reason, the younger ladies seem to feel quiet attracted to a guy in skirts, dresses or high heels. Perhaps sheer physical strength and macho-behaviour is not that appealing to the younger generation, as is sensibility and empathy)
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| Victorious seems quite attracted to her gallant who looks stunning in a dress |
So, gentlemen, put on your skirts and high heels, fetch your purses, and head to the future...
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Excellent post, Juan --- Stana
ReplyDeleteGreat article, very interesting thoughts!!!
ReplyDeleteChris
OH, my. You post is just excellent. And relevant. And biologically correct, as far as I know.
ReplyDeleteIt is just marvellous.