Science at UM [S05-ep05]: Beauty in the Animal Kingdom

[Podcast] - Published on January 8, 2026 in Science and Society

For this first episode of the year, *A l’UM la science* presents an in-depth interview with Julien Renoult, a researcher at the Center for Functional and Evolutionary Ecology (CEFE). Together with him, we explore the biological definition of beauty and its role in evolution. A program broadcast every Wednesday on the radio Divergence.

It is 1871, and Charles Darwin publishes The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex, a work in which he examines the definition and biological role of beauty, which he defines, in this context, as the characteristics developed by animals to attract a mate.

These characteristics, which we’ll call sexual ornaments, can include the peacock’s tail, the stag’s antlers, or the lion’s mane. But do the peacock, the doe, or the lioness perceive this beauty? What role does it play in mate selection? Are the incredible colors displayed by the mandrill the result of an evolutionary process linked to the perception of beauty in non-human animals?  

These are the questions that the brand-new field of beauty science seeks to answer. It is brand-new because, between Darwin and our guest, few researchers have ventured into this territory. Among them are The Evolution of Beauty by Richard Prum or A Taste of Beauty by Michael Ryan.

Julien Renoult is a researcher and biologist at the Center for Functional and Evolutionary Ecology in Montpellier. He published an article in *Biological Reviews* titled *On the Biological Basis of Beauty* (On the biological basis of beauty). In it, he constructs a definition at the intersection of biology, psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy, proposing thatbeauty is “the pleasure derived from the fluid processing of information, independent of function or the material reward it provides.” He thus frames it as a byproduct of evolution, applicable to animal ornamentation as well as to art.

The year is off to a great start on *A l’UM la science*.
Here’s the schedule—let’s get started!

At UM Science, you’ve got the program—let’s get started!

Co-production: Divergence FM / University of Montpellier
Host: Lucie Lecherbonnier
Interview: Lucie Lecherbonnier / Aline Périault
Production: Alice Rollet

Tune in to the show “A l’UM la science” on Divergence FM 93.9

Keywords: Science at UM, Science, Company