MEN race to the bar to impress women in what is a modern mating ritual, researchers have found.
Jostling to buy a round is said to mirror alpha male contests in nature.
In a week-long study of 163 groups of students, men rushed to the bar faster when there were fewer females than males in their group.
They were slower if the ratio was reversed as the competition was perceived to be less fierce.
Dr Joyce Benenson, from Harvard University, said: “Across species, females are typically attracted to male behaviour that advertises resources, territory or reputations for providing these.
“In humans, physical strength and level of financial resources are major predictors of women’s willingness to mate with men.
“Men’s greater speed, public positioning at the bar and financial investment could significantly enhance their probability of mating.”
The researchers found women never made it to the bar first — and hold more social power when outnumbered in a group.
Dr Benenson added: “Males typically have a more difficult time than females finding a mate, so they must compete with one another, either by beating one another up or showing off.
“It’s very public – beating the other men to the bar, standing at the bar waiting to order their drinks, and paying for drinks.”
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