Kin recognition humans

Porter, R.H. and Moore, J.D. (1981) Human kin recognition by olfactory cues. Physiol. Behav. 27, 493-495. 

Weisfeld, G.E., Czilli, T., Phillips, K.A., Gall, J.A. and Lichtman, C.M. (2003) Possible olfaction-based mechanisms in human kin recognition and inbreeding avoidance. J. Exp. Child Psycho. 85, 279-295. 

It should be noted that our use of the term, kin recognition, in Study 1 does not imply any particular type of instinctual process, nor does the term, recognition, used in Study 2. A reliable preference for either of the two scents used in Study 1 would show that the subjects responded discriminatively, thus conforming with Sherman and Holmes s (1985) definition of kin recognition cited above. A reliable preference for either of the two human scents used in Study 2 would also justify our use of the term, recognition, but only in the same limited sense as in Study 1. For a more detailed discussion of this issue see Johnston and Jemigan (1994). 

Abstract Humans produce temporarily stable, genetically mediated odour signatures and possess the ability to recognise, discriminate and identify other people through the sense of smell. The capability of self, gender, kin and non-kin odour recognition plays a role in social interactions. It seems that despite the stability of olfactory cues, the hedonic quality of body odour may vary over time. 

Many questions in inclusive fitness theory turn on whether and how animals distinguish genetic relatives from non-kin. Vertebrates, from fish to humans, use odors, in addition to cues in other sensory modalities, to recognize kin (Table 6.1). This recognition, in turn, may enable relatives to cooperate. 

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