Snake detection theory

The concept of snakes being a special threat to humans has been confirmed by population-based studies. Ophidiophobia (phobia of snakes) is one of the most common and intense phobias among the general population. Furthermore, a study reported that around 50% of people experience dreams about snakes.

Empirical studies

Many empirical studies have found evidence for the theory. Primates, including humans, can quickly detect snakes. Some studies have found that humans can detect snake images before subjective visual perception. However, the pre-conscious detection of snake stimuli is still under debate by the scientific community. Regardless, in experiments, images of snakes have been detected more rapidly than other fear-relevant stimuli: empirical studies have shown that snakes are more rapidly detected than spiders (whose exposure induces stimulus-specific psychophysiological correlates even if lasting 30 or 17 milliseconds only). According to the snake detection theory, this is because the arachnids were, historically, a less relevant threat to primates. Snake stimuli are particularly distracting during perceptual tasks, suggesting that the brain preferentially processes snake stimuli, even when attentional processes are demanded by other targets. Enhanced snake detection has also been found in young children.

Brain imaging investigations have found further evidence for the theory. Support for the idea of a high visual sensitivity to snakes has been proven in primate neural activity in response to snake threats. Non-invasive electroencephalogram (EEG) studies have found an enhanced visual brain activity in response to images of snakes in humans.