> Pete, I thought that the fluctuating asymmetry hypothesis had been largely discounted in recent years????

From what I read, there is agreement that FA exists, and that it is probably due to developmental impairment, which could be genetically based, environmental, or epigenetic. The point being that these factors affect whether an individual is in prime health and can reproduce successfully. 

This goes back to the original question of whether a female can detect a poor mate choice, whether by scent or sight. It appears that in sexual selection, it is usually the male that does most of the selecting. 

But in the end, for any one position that one finds, one is sure to be able to find the opposing position being taken just as adamantly. You gotta love science!

PLB

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