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Why do human females have large breasts? 

Genotyping
Locus (genetics)
Genome-wide association study
Breast cancer
Breast enlargement
Best insight from top research papers

Human females have large breasts due to various evolutionary hypotheses. One hypothesis suggests that breasts act as signals to males, potentially indicating fecundity, mate selection, and the ability to invest in offspring . Genetic studies have identified associations between specific loci and breast size, indicating a genetic basis for breast development . Evolutionary theories propose that breasts may have evolved as a by-product of other adaptive changes, such as increased subcutaneous fat tissue for thermoregulation and energy storage, and hormonal shifts related to brain development . Additionally, breasts are considered secondary sexual characteristics that may have evolved through sexual selection, potentially linked to high paternal care in humans . The complexity of breast morphology, including size, shape, asymmetry, and areola pigmentation, may serve as signals of attractiveness, health, and reproductive status .

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Papers (5)Insight
Open access•Journal Article•DOI
Large-scale genotyping identifies a new locus at 22q13.2 associated with female breast size
Jingmei Li, Jia Nee Foo, Nils Schoof, Jajini Varghese, Jajini Varghese, Pablo Fernández-Navarro, Gretchen L. Gierach, Swee Tian Quek, Mikael Hartman, Silje Nord, Vessela N. Kristensen, Vessela N. Kristensen, Marina Pollán, Jonine D. Figueroa, Deborah J. Thompson, Yi Li, Chiea Chuen Khor, Keith Humphreys, Jianjun Liu, Jianjun Liu, Kamila Czene, Per Hall 
01 Oct 2013-Journal of Medical Genetics
12 Citations
Human females have large breasts due to genetic factors, with a new locus at 22q13.2 associated with breast size, impacting fecundity and mate selection.
Journal Article•DOI
The evolution of perennially enlarged breasts in women: a critical review and a novel hypothesis.
Bogusław Pawłowski, Agnieszka Żelaźniewicz 
13 Jul 2021-Biological Reviews of The Cambridge Philosophical Society
4 Citations
Human females have large breasts due to evolutionary changes triggered by increased subcutaneous fat tissue for thermoregulation and energy storage, alongside hormonal shifts crucial for brain evolution and development.
Journal Article•DOI
Evolutionary Perspectives on Permanent Breast Enlargement in Human Females
Frances E. Mascia-Lees, John H. Relethford, Tom Sorger 
01 Jun 1986-American Anthropologist
17 Citations
Human females have permanently enlarged breasts possibly due to greater fat deposition, not solely as sexual signals. It may be a byproduct of selection for increased fat storage.
Open access
Sexual Selection and Human Breast Morphology
Melanie Duncan
01 Jan 2010
Human females develop large breasts possibly due to sexual selection, signaling mate value and fertility. Breast size impacts attractiveness, health perceptions, nurturance, reproductive status, and age estimations.
Journal Article•DOI
Human breasts: Unsupported hypotheses reviewed
Tim Caro
01 May 1987-Human Evolution
19 Citations
Human females may have large breasts due to hypotheses suggesting signals to males, hiding reproductive condition, aiding nursing, indicating lactational potential, prenatal investment, fecundity, and longevity.

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