Why are we so afraid of spiders, even though they are small and don’t harm us? The answer lies hidden in antiquity!
November 15, 2024
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As humans, many of us are afraid of insects. For some of us, even the thought of it can be unbearable and turn into a phobia. Thinking about
As humans, many of us are afraid of insects. For some of us, even the thought of it can be unbearable and turn into a phobia.
Thinking about insects; much smaller than animals and They have no potential to harm us. Nevertheless, we feel an incredible disgust and shudder. Let’s explain the reason for this interesting situation, according to science.
Being afraid of spiders may even be genetically determined.
Only 0.05% of spider species are potentially dangerous to humans. These species are generally found in Australia and South America. While this is the case Where does the fear of spiders come from? matter of curiosity.
A group of Swiss and American scientists, investigating whether the fear of spiders could be genetically determined, examined twins. If one identical twin is afraid of spiders, the other is probably afraid too. found it.
But of course behind our fear of spiders More than genetics there is.
Europeans equated the spider with the Black Death.
In the Middle Ages, Europeans feared spiders because they believed they spread the Black Death. In those times, In cultures outside Europe The fact that there is no such thing as a fear of spiders supports this fact.
But this is not enough. much further back We have to go.
In the past, people were exposed to more dangerous spiders. It is estimated that the fear of spiders also stems from these evolutionary roots.
Ancient people had more contact with insects due to their living conditions. Spiders, especially black widows, were very poisonous. People who were afraid of spiders and reacted quickly could live longer.
So being afraid of spiders was an advantage at that time. Today, spiders have become meaningless because they are no longer dangerous. Good In the process of evolution, advantage turned into disadvantage We can also say.
Sources: The University of Melbourne, British Psychological Society
Ashley Johnson is a science writer for “Div Bracket”. With a background in the natural sciences and a passion for exploring the mysteries of the universe, she provides in-depth coverage of the latest scientific developments.