Gallery: The African Miss Universe

Miss Angola Leila Lopes participates in the swimsuit segment of the Miss Universe 2011 pageant in Sao Paulo. Photo: Reuters

Miss Angola Leila Lopes is crowned by Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarrete of Mexico after being named Miss Universe 2011 during the Miss Universe pageant in Sao Paulo. Photo: Reuters

The researchers suggest their findings support the theory that attractiveness is a marker of healthy genes.

Miss Angola Leila Lopes is kissed by Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarrete of Mexico after being named Miss Universe 2011 during the Miss Universe pageant in Sao Paulo. Photo: Reuters

Miss Angola Leila Lopes (front, R) participates in the evening gown segment of the Miss Universe 2011 pageant in Sao Paulo. At rear from L-R: Miss Brazil Priscila Machado, Miss China Luo Zilin, Miss Philippines Shamcey Supsup, and Miss Ukraine Olesia Stefanko. Photo: Reuters

Miss Angola Leila Lopes participates in the evening gown segment of the Miss Universe 2011 pageant in Sao Paulo. Photo: Reuters

The top ten finalists stand together during the Miss Universe pageant in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Photo: AP

Miss Angola Leila Lopes competes in the Miss Universe pageant in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Lopes was crowned Miss Universe 2011. Photo: AP

Miss Angola Leila Lopes, left, is crowned Miss Universe 2011 by Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarrete, of Mexico, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Photo: AP

Miss Angola Leila Lopes (R) reacts as she hears the judges' decision choosing her as Miss Universe 2011 during the Miss Universe pageant in Sao Paulo. With Miss Angola is Miss Ukraine Olesia Stefanko, chosen as runner-up. Photo: Reuters

Miss Angola Leila Lopes steps forward after being chosen among the final five contestants of the Miss Universe 2011 pageant in Sao Paulo. Photo: Reuters