Genetic research has identified alleles associated with male pattern hair loss.[4] These alleles appear to be undergoing positive sexual selection in European and East Asian populations, as male pattern baldness may be seen as a masculine attribute associated with seniority and higher social status.
Male pattern hair loss may be seen as an expression of masculine sexual dimorphism rather than a disorder. Because of this, it is hypothesized that men with male pattern hair loss may be favored by heterosexual women as mates, because their hair loss is associated with seniority and higher social ranking, giving them increased sexual capital. [4] This is similar to the white stripe seen on male silver-back gorillas, associated with their advanced age and higher social ranking.[4] The genetic evidence did not support this hypothesis in African populations, suggesting that within Africa, the evolutionary pressure for scalp hair (to protect against harsh sunlight) outweighed the selective benefits of male pattern hair loss.
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