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Fear of Snakes May Have Driven Pre-Human Evolution

Krishna Dagli writes "An evolutionary arms race between early snakes and mammals triggered the development of improved vision and large brains in primates, a radical new theory suggests. The idea, proposed by Lynne Isbell, an anthropologist at the University of California, Davis, suggests that snakes and primates share a long and intimate history, one that forced both groups to evolve new strategies as each attempted to gain the upper hand. Early primates developed a better eye for color, detail and movement and the ability to see in three dimensions — traits that are important for detecting threats at close range. Humans are descended from those same primates. "

5 of 553 comments (clear)

  1. wow by MrSquirrel · · Score: -1, Redundant

    So is "Snakes On A Plane" (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0417148/) the story of the next step in snake-spurred human evolution? Go Samuel L Jackson, go... use your evolutionary powers!

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    A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
  2. It makes sense! by deadhammer · · Score: -1, Redundant

    Given the instinctive fear of snakes that humans possess, coupled with the intense fear that a large portion of the population has towards air travel, I'd say the information found in this informative documentary starts to make sense.

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    I'll be honest, we're throwing science against the wall to see what sticks. -Cave Johnson
  3. Re:How to become a popular scientist by grub · · Score: 0, Redundant


    1) Publish papers
    2) Next fiscal propose a budget increase and refer to your previous publications
    3) ????
    4) PROFIT!!!

    --
    Trolling is a art,
  4. Re:Scared of snakes? by Maul · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Darn! Someone beat me to the snakes on the mutha-#%&@$# plane comment.

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    "You spoony bard!" -Tellah

  5. Re:This only highlights mankind's TRUE FEAR by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Redundant

    Snakes... ON A PLAIN