Olfaction is often referred to as a multidimensional sense. It is multidimensional in that ∼1000 different receptor types, each tuned to particular odor aspects, together contribute to the olfactory percept. In humans, however, this percept is nearly unidimensional. Humans can detect and discriminate countless odorants, but can identify few by name. The one thing humans can and do invariably say about an odor is whether it is pleasant or not. We argue that this hedonic determination is the key function of olfaction. Thus, the boundaries of an odor object are determined by its pleasantness, which—unlike something material and more like an emotion—remains poorly delineated with words.

https://sites.oxy.edu/clint/physio/article/anodorisnotworthathousandwords.pdf

An Odor is Not Worth a Thousand Words: From Multidimensional Odors to Unidimensional Odor Objects

The sex of individuals plays an important part in determining their olfactory abilities, with females generally being superior to males. The present review examines the way in which sex differences influence sensitivity, identification, familiarity, and recognition of odours. It also examines whether sex differences are more pronounced with some odours than others, and how sex differences are affected by the manner of testing. Two different explanations for the superiority of females over males in olfaction are evaluated.

Sex differences in human olfaction: between evidence and enigma.

We present genetic similarity theory (GST), which incorporates the kin-selection theory of altruism under a more general principle. GST states that a gene ensures its own survival by acting so as to bring about the reproduction ofany organism in which copies of itself are to be found. Rather than behaving altruistically only toward kin, organisms are able to detect other genetically similar organisms and to exhibit favoritism and protective behavior toward these “strangers,” as well as toward their own relatives. In order to pursue this general strategy, an organism must, in effect, be able to detect copies of its genes in other organisms. We order several data sets with this theory including (a) kin recognition studies in animals raised apart, (b) assortative mating, (c) intrafamilial relations, (d) human friendship and altruism, and (e) ethnic nepotism. We discuss a strong and a weak version of GST and offer some predictions for future research.

/pdf/genetic-similarity-theory-beyond-kin-selection-2dmadz4tmo.pdf

Genetic similarity theory: Beyond kin selection

House mice (Mus musculus domesticus) avoid mating with individuals that are genetically similar at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Mice are able recognize MHC-similar individuals through specific odour cues. However, to mate disassortatively for MHC genes, individuals must have a referent, either themselves (self-inspection) or close kin (familial imprinting), with which to compare the MHC identity of potential mates. Although studies on MHC-dependent mating preferences often assume that individuals use self-inspection, laboratory experiments with male mice indicate that they use familial imprinting, i.e. males learn the MHC identity of their family and then avoid mating with females carrying 'familial' MHC alleles. To determine if female mice use familial imprinting, we cross-fostered wild-derived female mouse pups into MHC-dissimilar families, and then tested if this procedure reversed their mating preferences compared with in-fostered controls. Our observations of the female's mating behaviour in seminatural social conditions and the genetic typing of their progeny both indicated that females avoided mating with males carrying MHC genes of their foster family, supporting the familial imprinting hypothesis. We show that MHC-dependent familial imprinting potentially provides a more effective mechanism for avoiding kin matings and reducing inbreeding than self-inspection.

/pdf/mhc-disassortative-mating-preferences-reversed-by-cross-6vt9s3fyyi.pdf

MHC–disassortative mating preferences reversed by cross–fostering

Animal behaviour meets microbial ecology

Human kin recognition by olfactory cues.

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Human kin recognition by olfactory cues.