A Trivers-Willard Effect in Contemporary Humans: Male-Biased Sex Ratios among Billionaires
2009

Male-Biased Sex Ratios among Billionaires

Sample size: 399 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Cameron Elissa Z., Dalerum Fredrik

Primary Institution: Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria

Hypothesis

Do billionaires have a higher ratio of male to female offspring compared to the general population?

Conclusion

Billionaires have a significantly higher proportion of sons compared to the general population.

Supporting Evidence

  • Billionaires have 60% sons, significantly different from the general population's 51%.
  • Male billionaires produce more children than female billionaires.
  • Mothers in the highest economic bracket leave more grandchildren through sons than daughters.

Takeaway

Rich people tend to have more boys than girls, which is similar to what happens in other animals.

Methodology

The study analyzed the sex ratios of children from billionaires using data from the Forbes list and compared it to the general population.

Potential Biases

Potential biases in data collection from public sources may affect results.

Limitations

The study may not account for all cultural and social factors influencing sex ratios.

Participant Demographics

The study focused on billionaires, with 795 male and 71 female billionaires included.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.03

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004195

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