Maintenance of handedness polymorphism in humans: a frequency-dependent selection model

J Theor Biol. 2005 Jul 7;235(1):85-93. doi: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2004.12.021.

Abstract

Frequency-dependent selection is an important process in the maintenance of genetic variation in fitness. In humans, it has been proposed that the polymorphism of handedness is maintained by negative frequency-dependent selection, through a strategic advantage of left-handers in fighting interactions. Using simple mathematical models, we explore: (1) whether it is possible to predict the range of left-handedness frequencies observed in human populations by the frequency and the violence of fighting interactions; (2) the consequences of the sex differences in the probability of transmission of hand preference to offspring. We show that a wide range of values of the frequency of left-handers can be obtained with realistic changes of the parameters values. Our models reinforce the idea that negative frequency-dependence may have played a role in maintaining left-handedness in human populations, and provide further support for the importance of fighting interactions in the evolution of hand preference. Moreover, they suggest an explanation for the occurrence of left-handedness among women in this context, namely an indirect selective advantage through their male offspring.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aggression
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality / genetics*
  • Gender Identity
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetics, Population
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Genetic*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Selection, Genetic*