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Being tall is highly advantageous in the right circumstances, terrible in the wrong ones. It just varies based on environment, resources, etc. Athletes know thi
by Aelinsaar 10y ago
Being tall is highly advantageous in the right circumstances, terrible in the wrong ones. It just varies based on environment, resources, etc. Athletes know this too, but it does so happen that the sports which make the most money right now thrive on big, tall men. Basketball and American football thrive on giant guys, but it's not the only model.
The best rock climber isn't going to be an NBA forward, it's going to be someone with a better power-to-weight ratio. That doesn't have to be short, but it can't be too tall without wasting weight on long bones that are going to have to support smaller muscles.
- loeg 10y agoCramped airlines seats aren't great for tall people either.
- s_q_b 10y agoOne of those circumstances is in combat. Historically that has been extremely important. It wouldn't surprise me that under more violent circumstances, mate preferences shift toward those of greater size, strength, and overall physical ability.
- danieltillett 10y agoWell mate preference tends to shift towards living mates. You only have to compare the recent ancestors of the Maori with current Maori to see the effects of constant warfare in an environment which is not food constrained.
- Aelinsaar 10y agoSure, unless you need to be in a tunnel system, or survive on a small island with minimal resources. It doesn't help to be a giant viking if you can't eat like one.