Why are men taller than women?

       

Men are on average taller than women-and it's all down to evolution.



On average, the men in most developed, western countries are about 12cm taller than the women. At the start of human evolution, a tall, strong man was a guarantee of food and shelter for women and children. Although now a day's height has little influence on professional success or social status, tall men continue to be considered particularly attractive. Hence, they are more likely than others to find a partner and produce larger than average families. It is also the case that men prefer shorter women, who reach sexual maturity earlier.