Gaby
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have challenged a widely held belief in academic circles that men’s superior spatial orientation skills are rooted in evolution. According to the study, the true reason is rather unexpected.
Thus, the new research has unveiled the real source of navigational skills for both genders: it’s upbringing.
What the Researchers Reported
The team questioned the theory that the ability to navigate is a result of evolutionary processes. More specifically, they challenged the notion that this ability is linked to the historical stereotype that men traditionally traveled far from home to provide for their families.
The researchers found this explanation unconvincing, as reported by the Daily Mail. If that were the sole reason, then a genetic trait like strong navigational skills would also have been passed down to daughters.
“It’s clear to me that the differences between the sexes are a result of culture, not evolution,” said Professor Justin Rhodes, a co-author of the study. He noted that in the animal kingdom, the tendency for males to have better navigational skills is likely a side effect of sex hormones, primarily testosterone.
How the Study Was Conducted
The team included 21 species in their research, including humans. Among the other participants were crayfish, chimpanzees, poison frogs, pandas, and horses.
Initially, Professor Rhodes and his colleagues examined data from previous studies dating back to 1960. The team aimed to determine whether there was a gender gap in the relationship between a species’ habitat and its spatial abilities. They observed how far participants typically strayed from their base.
When collecting data on humans, the researchers used virtual or real mazes, measuring the time it took volunteers to navigate unfamiliar territory to a specific location. They also tracked how accurately participants identified the location of various points. In most cases, the team found that men exhibited better navigational skills.
Among the animals, crayfish were the only species that did not show gender differences in spatial abilities, while the poison frog demonstrated a slight advantage for males. Overall, the results from the animal studies also indicated that males possess superior navigational skills.
“Sex differences in behavior or performance may arise from biological or cultural processes that have little to do with evolution,” the researchers noted. In future studies, they plan to focus on how culture and socialization influence the navigational abilities of both genders.
The scientists also aim to understand how the brain functions that allow men to excel in navigation are formed. Additionally, the team will seek to find ways to bridge the gender gap in spatial orientation.
The findings of the study were published in The Royal Society Journal.
