Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have challenged a widely held academic belief that men’s superior spatial orientation skills are rooted in evolution. The study points to a rather unexpected reason.
The new research identifies upbringing as the real source of navigational skills for both genders.
What the Researchers Reported
The team questioned the idea that the ability to navigate is the result of evolutionary processes. More specifically, they challenged the notion that this skill comes from the historical stereotype that men traditionally traveled far from home to provide for their families.
The researchers found that explanation unconvincing, as reported by the Daily Mail. If that were the sole reason, a genetic trait for strong navigational skills would likely have been passed down to daughters as well.
“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, males’ better navigational skills are likely a side effect of sex hormones, primarily testosterone.
How the Study Was Conducted
The team included 21 species in their research, including humans. Other species studied included crayfish, chimpanzees, poison frogs, pandas, and horses.
Initially, Professor Rhodes and his colleagues reviewed 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 individuals 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 sex differences in spatial abilities, while the poison frog showed a slight advantage for males. Overall, the animal results also indicated that males tend to have 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 wrote. 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 at navigation develop. They will also look for ways to close the gender gap in spatial orientation.
The findings of the study were published in The Royal Society Journal.
