In the past, there was a saying: "Men look at the nose, women look at the mouth."
Therefore, many people firmly believe that a big nose can earn men extra points.
I searched online with some skepticism about "what does a man with a big nose represent," and the results showed a bunch of benefits of having a big nose.
Among the top 20 meanings represented, except for one or two that seemed like drawbacks, the rest were all advantages, almost encompassing all the good qualities of a person.
Is having a big nose really that beneficial?
Apparently, like physiognomy, these claims are rather mystical and lack scientific support.
However, recently, Australian scientists published a paper providing some scientific evidence confirming that having a big nose does indeed benefit reproduction.
Bigger is Better: Latest Study Shows Proboscis Monkeys Use Large Noses to Attract Mates
Having a large nose may indicate good health or a larger "package."
While this idea has always seemed plausible, the specific reasons behind it have lacked substantial scientific backing.
On May 23, 2024, researchers provided scientific data explaining the relationship between large noses and reproductive success, focusing on proboscis monkeys this time.
Proboscis monkeys, unique to Borneo, are characterized by males sporting noses of such size that they are hard to comprehend.
According to Wikipedia, the nose of a male proboscis monkey can exceed 10.2 centimeters in length.
In comparison, the longest human nose in the Guinness World Records is only 8.8 centimeters, just the tip of that nose.
The nose of the male proboscis monkey is not only long but also flat and large, making it droop down like a big eggplant hanging on its face.
It easily brings to mind a certain organ, and many people find it awkward to look at the proboscis monkey head-on, the kind of sight that can make one blush at just a glance.
On the left is a female proboscis monkey, and on the right is a juvenile proboscis monkey.
The nose of a male proboscis monkey is not as large at birth. The noses of young monkeys are slightly upturned. Adult female proboscis monkeys have slightly longer noses, but they are not as long and droopy as those of the males.
As male proboscis monkeys age, their noses also grow larger. Studies have found that older males have larger cartilage in their noses, allowing their noses to exceed 10 centimeters in length.
Is such a large nose meant to enhance their sense of smell?
In reality, proboscis monkeys feed on readily available plants. It seems like a waste of energy to maintain such a large nose. Moreover, in daily life, the droopy noses of males cover their mouths, making it inconvenient to eat as they have to push their noses aside before eating.
To scientifically address this question, researchers used 3D machine scans of proboscis monkey skulls stored in museums to record the size and shape of the internal structures of their noses.
The results revealed that the nasal cavities of male proboscis monkeys are much larger and have a different shape compared to those of females.
The unique structure allows male proboscis monkeys to produce louder and sharper calls.
This skill is very useful in densely forested environments, enabling long-distance communication and potentially deterring challengers.
The social structure of proboscis monkey families is similar to that of lion prides, typically led by a dominant male with multiple females and offspring.
During this period, male proboscis monkeys may challenge each other, using their loud and powerful calls to their advantage in same-sex battles, potentially intimidating less bold males.
Hybrid Offspring of Silver Leaf Monkeys and Proboscis Monkeys (Fertile)
When it comes to choosing a mate, having a big nose is considered an advantage. In the eyes of females, it signifies good physical condition.
In 2018, researchers found that the benefits of a large nose go beyond just visual appeal. Through measurements and comparisons, it was discovered that male proboscis monkeys with big noses tend to have larger body weights and testicles.
A big nose acts like a walking billboard, attracting numerous female proboscis monkeys.
Overall, under same-sex competition and opposite-sex mate choice pressures, male proboscis monkeys have gradually evolved to have large and elongated "eggplant-like" noses.
Lastly, here's a lesser-known fact: the world's longest nose measures up to 19 centimeters, belonging to Thomas Wedders from the UK.
He was a circus acrobat who performed acts showcasing his nose. Unfortunately, he passed away before the invention of the camera, missing the chance for a Guinness World Record. However, a replica of his head is displayed in museums.
Thomas's example also illustrates a fact: men with big noses are not necessarily lucky.
In 1896, a magazine described Thomas as follows:
"Unfortunately, in the task of giving this genius a large nose, nature had exhausted itself, leaving his chin too weak, his forehead too low, and completely forgetting to endow him with an intelligent brain."
