Title & Author | Abstract | |
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6(33) | THE SCENT OF EROS: MYSTERIES OF ODOR IN HUMAN SEXUALITY
by James Vaughn Kohl and Robert T. Francoeur [New York: Continuum Publishing Company, 1995 14 chapters, 268 pages] Precis by Kohl and Francoeur on Sex Odor James Kohl 2621 Seashore Drive Las Vegas, NV 89128 (702) 255-3414 jkohl@vegas.infi.net |
Abstract:
This Precis provides an overview of the book "The Scent
of Eros: Mysteries of Odor in Human Sexuality," which details for a
general audience a five-step biological pathway that allows the
social environment to influence the genetic nature of mammalian
behavior. This pathway is: gene-cell-tissue-organ-organ system.
Moreover, though there are many environmental influences on genes,
mammalian pheromones are the only known social-environmental
stimuli that appear to activate gene expression in neurosecretory
cells of tissue in the brain, an organ that is essential to any
organ system involved in behavior. Human pheromones appear both to
elicit a homologous "neuroendocrine" response and to influence
behavior. Thus, human pheromones may fulfill the biological
criteria required to link at least one aspect of a sensory-based,
nurturing, social environment: olfaction, to the genetic nature of
human behavior through a five-step pathway common to all
terrestrial mammals and to many other vertebrates.
Keywords: behavioral development, genetics, gonadotropin, human sexuality, neuroanatomy, neuroendocrinology, odors, olfaction, pheromones, releasing hormone |
7(12) | MATE ATTRACTION OR MATE CONFIRMATION:
The Evolutionary Role of Pheromones Book Review of Kohl on Sex-Odor Edward Miller Department of Economics and Finance University of New Orleans (504) 286-6913 (office) (504) 286-6397 (fax) emmef@UNO.edu |
Abstract:
The major absence from Kohl & Francoeur's (1995) book
is an evolutionary perspective and an account of what function
pheromones might serve in humans. For instance, there is a
plausible function for menstrual synchrony. While Kohl and
Francoeur's idea that pheromones might serve to attract mates is
implausible, they could confirm the presence of a mate and adjust
female fertility to whether any offspring was likely to benefit
from male paternal investment.
Keywords: behavioral development, genetics, gonadotropin, human sexuality, neuroanatomy, neuroendocrinology, odors, olfaction, pheromones, releasing hormone |