Are vipers prototypic fear-evoking snakes? A cross-cultural comparison of Somalis and Czechs.

ABSTRACT: Snakes are known as highly fear-evoking animals, eliciting preferential attention and fast detection in humans. We examined the human fear response to snakes in the context of both current and evolutionary experiences, conducting our research in the cradle of humankind, the Horn of Africa. This region is characterized by the frequent occurrence of various snake species, including deadly venomous viperids (adders) and elapids (cobras and mambas). We conducted experiments in Somaliland and compared the results with data from Czech respondents to address the still unresolved questions: To which extent is human fear of snakes affected by evolutionary or current experience and local culture? Can people of both nationalities recognize venomous snakes as a category, or are they only afraid of cer

SUBMITTER: Frynta D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10620321 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature