Testing Mate Choice Hypotheses in a Transitional Small Scale Population

Abstract Objective Tests of theories mate choice often rely on data gathered in White, industrialised samples and this is especially the case for studies facial attraction. Our understanding preferences sexual dimorphism currently flux a number hypotheses require testing more diverse participant samples. The current study uses opportunistically preference from 271 participants rural Nicaragua, 40 national capital Managua. We assess pre-registered drawn selection theory, recent approaches which consider impacts economic development cultural ‘modernisation’ preferences. Methods Participants verbally reported demographic data, indicated five male female pairs faces manipulated to differ sexually dimorphic structure based sample Salvadoran individuals. Results While urban showed feminine faces, was not evident participants. Neither nor any directional masculinised/feminised faces. Furthermore, there no support other hypothesis. Conclusions results are consistent with previous showing interest less globally-acculturated, or market integrated, populations. Together, suggests that while may be subject systematically varying amongst some low-fertility, populations, it feature likely have been important ancestral call further work attempting replicate well known phenomena