Abstract：
The level of fluctuating asymmetry is suggested as a putative signal of developmental stability, thus according to this theoretical framework more symmetric individuals should be in better biological condition and have greater reproductive potential. Here we hypothesize that women with more symmetric faces have more successful reproduction.
Data were collected from 164 postmenopausal Polish women. Facial photographs were taken and the overall facial asymmetry (OFA) was calculated. The associations between the OFA and reproductive parameters were analyzed using multiple regression models. Furthermore, the mediation analysis was conducted to test for the indirect effects of the OFA on reproductive success.
There was a statistically significant relationship between the OFA and the number of children born, which was mediated by the age at first reproduction (p = 0.03), however, the size of the effect was rather low. Women with more symmetric faces had an earlier age at first reproduction and, in consequence, a greater number of children.
As fluctuating asymmetry is suggested to be established in utero, these findings shed light on the possible life-long importance of developmental conditions in shaping women\'s reproductive potential and performance.
Data were collected from 164 postmenopausal Polish women. Facial photographs were taken and the overall facial asymmetry (OFA) was calculated. The associations between the OFA and reproductive parameters were analyzed using multiple regression models. Furthermore, the mediation analysis was conducted to test for the indirect effects of the OFA on reproductive success.
There was a statistically significant relationship between the OFA and the number of children born, which was mediated by the age at first reproduction (p = 0.03), however, the size of the effect was rather low. Women with more symmetric faces had an earlier age at first reproduction and, in consequence, a greater number of children.
As fluctuating asymmetry is suggested to be established in utero, these findings shed light on the possible life-long importance of developmental conditions in shaping women\'s reproductive potential and performance.
摘要：
目的：波动不对称水平被认为是发育稳定性的假定信号，因此，根据这个理论框架，更多的对称个体应该处于更好的生物学状态，并具有更大的生殖潜力。在这里，我们假设拥有更对称面孔的女性有更成功的生殖。
方法：数据来自164名绝经后波兰妇女。拍摄面部照片并计算整体面部不对称性(OFA)。使用多元回归模型分析了OFA与生殖参数之间的关联。此外，进行中介分析以检验OFA对生殖成功的间接影响.
结果：OFA与出生儿童数量之间存在统计学上的显着关系，这是由第一次繁殖的年龄介导的(p=0.03)，然而,效应的大小相当低。具有更对称面孔的女性在初次繁殖时的年龄较早，因此，更多的孩子。
结论：由于建议在子宫内建立波动不对称，这些发现揭示了发育条件在塑造女性生殖潜能和表现方面可能的终身重要性。
方法：数据来自164名绝经后波兰妇女。拍摄面部照片并计算整体面部不对称性(OFA)。使用多元回归模型分析了OFA与生殖参数之间的关联。此外，进行中介分析以检验OFA对生殖成功的间接影响.
结果：OFA与出生儿童数量之间存在统计学上的显着关系，这是由第一次繁殖的年龄介导的(p=0.03)，然而,效应的大小相当低。具有更对称面孔的女性在初次繁殖时的年龄较早，因此，更多的孩子。
结论：由于建议在子宫内建立波动不对称，这些发现揭示了发育条件在塑造女性生殖潜能和表现方面可能的终身重要性。
