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Allison EB, Taylor EN, Graham ZA, Amarello M, Smith JJ, Loughman ZJ. Effects of relational and instrumental messaging on human perception of rattlesnakes. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298737. [PMID: 38630660 PMCID: PMC11023442 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
We tested the effects of relational and instrumental message strategies on US residents' perception of rattlesnakes-animals that tend to generate feelings of fear, disgust, or hatred but are nevertheless key members of healthy ecosystems. We deployed an online survey to social media users (n = 1,182) to describe perceptions of rattlesnakes and assess the change after viewing a randomly selected relational or instrumental video message. An 8-item, pre-and post-Rattlesnake Perception Test (RPT) evaluated perception variables along emotional, knowledge, and behavioral gradients on a 5-point Likert scale; the eight responses were combined to produce an Aggregate Rattlesnake Perception (ARP) score for each participant. We found that people from Abrahamic religions (i.e., Christianity, Judaism, Islam) and those identifying as female were associated with low initial perceptions of rattlesnakes, whereas agnostics and individuals residing in the Midwest region and in rural residential areas had relatively favorable perceptions. Overall, both videos produced positive changes in rattlesnake perception, although the instrumental video message led to a greater increase in ARP than the relational message. The relational message was associated with significant increases in ARP only among females, agnostics, Baby Boomers (age 57-75), and Generation-Z (age 18-25 to exclude minors). The instrumental video message was associated with significant increases in ARP, and this result varied by religious group. ARP changed less in those reporting prior experience with a venomous snake bite (to them, a friend, or a pet) than in those with no such experience. Our data suggest that relational and instrumental message strategies can improve people's perceptions of unpopular and potentially dangerous wildlife, but their effectiveness may vary by gender, age, religious beliefs, and experience. These results can be used to hone and personalize communication strategies to improve perceptions of unpopular wildlife species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin B. Allison
- Dept of Organismal Biology, Ecology, and Zoo Science, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, United States of America
| | - Emily N. Taylor
- Biological Sciences Dept, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States of America
| | - Zackary A. Graham
- Dept of Organismal Biology, Ecology, and Zoo Science, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, United States of America
| | - Melissa Amarello
- Advocates for Snake Preservation, Silver City, NM, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey J. Smith
- Advocates for Snake Preservation, Silver City, NM, United States of America
- The Nature Conservancy, Willcox, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Zachary J. Loughman
- Dept of Organismal Biology, Ecology, and Zoo Science, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, United States of America
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He L, Lv C, Song X, Hao W, Wang J, Hu Y, Chen Y, Gan Y, Han X, Yan S. Knowledge and practices related to snakebite prevention, China: a cross-sectional study. Bull World Health Organ 2024; 102:234-243. [PMID: 38562205 PMCID: PMC10976863 DOI: 10.2471/blt.23.290169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess knowledge and practices related to snakebite prevention among Chinese residents. Methods By using a multistage random sampling approach augmented by snowball sampling, we surveyed residents from 10 provinces, one municipality and one autonomous region south of the Yangtze River Basin between May 2022 and February 2023. We supplemented the data with a national online survey. We used a χ2-test to identify differences in knowledge and behaviour across various demographic characteristics. We conducted multifactor logistic regression analyses to evaluate factors potentially influencing snakebite knowledge and practices. Findings We obtained 55 775 valid survey responses, 16 200 respondents from the face-to-face survey and 39 575 respondents from the online survey. Only 25.7% (14 325) respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge about snakebites whereas 25.6% (14 295) respondents knew basic first-aid practices or preventive behaviours. Age, marital status, educational attainment, occupation, type of residence and frequency of exposure to nature are significant independent variables affecting snakebite knowledge (P-values: < 0.05). On the other hand, gender, age, marital status, educational attainment, occupation and type of residence were significant independent variables affecting the behaviour of snakebite prevention and first aid (P-values: < 0.05). Conclusion There is a notable shortfall in knowledge, first aid and preventive behaviours among Chinese residents regarding snakebites. Misguided first aid practices can severely compromise the effectiveness of evidence-based therapeutic interventions. Consequently, improving health education concerning snakes and snakebites in this population is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanfen He
- International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, No 3 Xueyuan Road, Longhua Zone, Haikou, Hainan Province, 571199, China
| | - Chuanzhu Lv
- Emergency Medicine Center of the Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xingyue Song
- Department of Emergency Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Wenjie Hao
- International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, No 3 Xueyuan Road, Longhua Zone, Haikou, Hainan Province, 571199, China
| | - Juntao Wang
- International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, No 3 Xueyuan Road, Longhua Zone, Haikou, Hainan Province, 571199, China
| | - Yanlan Hu
- International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, No 3 Xueyuan Road, Longhua Zone, Haikou, Hainan Province, 571199, China
| | - Yu Chen
- International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, No 3 Xueyuan Road, Longhua Zone, Haikou, Hainan Province, 571199, China
| | - Yong Gan
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management at the School of Public Health, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaotong Han
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Shijiao Yan
- International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, No 3 Xueyuan Road, Longhua Zone, Haikou, Hainan Province, 571199, China
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Serino-Silva C, Bittencourt Rodrigues CF, Miyamoto JG, Hatakeyama DM, Kavazoi VK, Da Rocha MMT, Tanaka AS, Tashima AK, de Morais-Zani K, Grego KF, Tanaka-Azevedo AM. Proteomics and life-history variability of Endogenous Phospholipases A2 Inhibitors (PLIs) in Bothrops jararaca plasma. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295806. [PMID: 38319909 PMCID: PMC10846723 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
In Brazil, the genus Bothrops is responsible for most ophidian accidents. Snake venoms have a wide variety of proteins and peptides exhibiting a broad repertoire of pharmacological and toxic effects that elicit systemic injury and characteristic local effects. The snakes' natural resistance to envenomation caused by the presence of inhibitory compounds on their plasma have been extensively studied. However, the presence of these inhibitors in different developmental stages is yet to be further discussed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ontogeny of Bothrops jararaca plasma inhibitor composition and, to this end, plasma samples of B. jararaca were obtained from different developmental stages (neonates, youngs, and adults) and sexes (female and male). SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, affinity chromatography, and mass spectrometry were performed to analyze the protein profile and interaction between B. jararaca plasma and venom proteins. In addition, the presence of γBjPLI, a PLA2 inhibitor previously identified and characterized in B. jararaca serum, was confirmed by Western blotting. According to our results, 9-17% of plasma proteins were capable of binding to venom proteins in the three developmental stages. The presence of different endogenous inhibitors and, more specifically, different PLA2 inhibitor (PLI) classes and antihemorrhagic factors were confirmed in specimens of B. jararaca from newborn by mass spectrometry. For the first time, the αPLI and βPLI were detected in B. jararaca plasma, although low or no ontogenetic and sexual correlation were found. The γPLI were more abundant in adult female, than in neonate and young female, but similar to neonate, young and adult male according to the results of mass spectrometry analysis. Our results suggest that there are proteins in the plasma of these animals that can help counteract the effects of self-envenomation from birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Serino-Silva
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia (PPIB—IPT, IBU and USP), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Caroline Fabri Bittencourt Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia (PPIB—IPT, IBU and USP), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Daniela Miki Hatakeyama
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia (PPIB—IPT, IBU and USP), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Victor Koiti Kavazoi
- Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia (PPIB—IPT, IBU and USP), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Aparecida Sadae Tanaka
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Keiji Tashima
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Peléšková Š, Polák J, Janovcová M, Chomik A, Sedláčková K, Frynta D, Landová E. Human emotional evaluation of ancestral and modern threats: fear, disgust, and anger. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1321053. [PMID: 38239483 PMCID: PMC10794497 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1321053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Animal and human ancestors developed complex physiological and behavioral response systems to cope with two types of threats: immediate physical harm from predators or conspecifics, triggering fear, and the risk of infections from parasites and pathogens leading to the evolution of the behavioral immune system with disgust as the key emotion. Integration of the evolutionary concepts of the fear module and behavioral immune systems has been infrequent, despite the significant survival advantages of disgust in various contexts. Studies comparing attention to ancestral and modern threats accompanied by fear have yielded ambiguous results and what qualifies as salient modern disgusting stimuli remains unclear. We do not know whether disgust or the behavioral immune system, as inherent aspects of human psychology, have adapted to safeguard us from pandemic risks or poisoning by modern toxic substances. Methods To test these effects, we have developed a survey comprised of 60 short vignettes describing threats evoking fear and disgust belonging to one of the three main categories of threats: (1) ancestral (phylogenetic), (2) modern (ontogenetic), and (3) pandemics of airborne disease. Each vignette was evaluated on a 7-point Likert scale based on fear, disgust, and anger. In total, 660 respondents completed the survey. The data were analysed using a factor analysis and general linear model with the respondent as a random factor. Results The results show that the strongest fear is triggered by modern threats (electricity, car accidents), while the highest disgust is evoked by ancient threats (body waste products, worms, etc.). Interestingly, disgust does not respond to modern threat stimuli such as toxic substances or radioactivity as these evoke mainly fear and anger. Finally, a distinct response pattern was found for pandemic threats, in which both fear (e.g., of disease and death) and disgust (e.g., of used face masks) are employed. Discussion Our study offers valuable insights into the emotional responses to ancestral and modern threats and their adaptation to pandemic challenges. Ancestral threats are not always more powerful stimuli than adequate threats of the modern type, but they function specifically. Thus, snakes and heights as fear-inducing ancestral threats form separate factors in a multivariate analysis, whereas all ancestral disgust stimuli group together. The threat of a pandemic forms a specific category and people process it emotionally and cognitively. These insights contribute to our understanding of human psychology and behavior in an ever-changing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Šárka Peléšková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jakub Polák
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Economy and Management, Ambis University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Markéta Janovcová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Aleksandra Chomik
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | | | - Daniel Frynta
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Eva Landová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
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Landová E, Štolhoferová I, Vobrubová B, Polák J, Sedláčková K, Janovcová M, Rádlová S, Frynta D. Attentional, emotional, and behavioral response toward spiders, scorpions, crabs, and snakes provides no evidence for generalized fear between spiders and scorpions. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20972. [PMID: 38017048 PMCID: PMC10684562 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48229-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Spiders are among the animals evoking the highest fear and disgust and such a complex response might have been formed throughout human evolution. Ironically, most spiders do not present a serious threat, so the evolutionary explanation remains questionable. We suggest that other chelicerates, such as scorpions, have been potentially important in the formation and fixation of the spider-like category. In this eye-tracking study, we focused on the attentional, behavioral, and emotional response to images of spiders, scorpions, snakes, and crabs used as task-irrelevant distractors. Results show that spider-fearful subjects were selectively distracted by images of spiders and crabs. Interestingly, these stimuli were not rated as eliciting high fear contrary to the other animals. We hypothesize that spider-fearful participants might have mistaken crabs for spiders based on their shared physical characteristics. In contrast, subjects with no fear of spiders were the most distracted by snakes and scorpions which supports the view that scorpions as well as snakes are prioritized evolutionary relevant stimuli. We also found that the reaction time increased systematically with increasing subjective fear of spiders only when using spiders (and crabs to some extent) but not snakes and scorpions as distractors. The maximal pupil response covered not only the attentional and cognitive response but was also tightly correlated with the fear ratings of the picture stimuli. However, participants' fear of spiders did not affect individual reactions to scorpions measured by the maximal pupil response. We conclude that scorpions are evolutionary fear-relevant stimuli, however, the generalization between scorpions and spiders was not supported in spider-fearful participants. This result might be important for a better understanding of the evolution of spider phobia.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Landová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.
| | - I Štolhoferová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - B Vobrubová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - J Polák
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - K Sedláčková
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - M Janovcová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - S Rádlová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - D Frynta
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Frynta D, Elmi HSA, Janovcová M, Rudolfová V, Štolhoferová I, Rexová K, Král D, Sommer D, Berti DA, Landová E, Frýdlová P. Are vipers prototypic fear-evoking snakes? A cross-cultural comparison of Somalis and Czechs. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1233667. [PMID: 37928591 PMCID: PMC10620321 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1233667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
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 certain species that are most dangerous in a given area? Are respondents of both nationalities equally afraid of deadly snakes from both families (Viperidae, Elapidae)? We employed a well-established picture-sorting approach, consisting of 48 snake species belonging to four distinct groups. Our results revealed significant agreement among Somali as well as Czech respondents. We found a highly significant effect of the stimulus on perceived fear in both populations. Vipers appeared to be the most salient stimuli in both populations, as they occupied the highest positions according to the reported level of subjectively perceived fear. The position of vipers strongly contrasts with the fear ranking of deadly venomous elapids, which were in lower positions. Fear scores of vipers were significantly higher in both populations, and their best predictor was the body width of the snake. The evolutionary, cultural, and cognitive aspects of this phenomenon are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Frynta
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Hassan Sh Abdirahman Elmi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education, Amoud University, Borama, Somalia
| | - Markéta Janovcová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Veronika Rudolfová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Iveta Štolhoferová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Kateřina Rexová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - David Král
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - David Sommer
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Daniel Alex Berti
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Eva Landová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petra Frýdlová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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Štolhoferová I, Frynta D, Janovcová M, Rudolfová V, Elmi HSA, Rexová K, Berti DA, Král D, Sommer D, Landová E, Frýdlová P. The bigger the threat, the longer the gaze? A cross-cultural study of Somalis and Czechs. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1234593. [PMID: 37829068 PMCID: PMC10565226 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1234593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
High fear reaction, preferential attention, or fast detection are only a few of the specific responses which snakes evoke in humans. Previous research has shown that these responses are shared amongst several distinct cultures suggesting the evolutionary origin of the response. However, populations from sub-Saharan Africa have been largely missing in experimental research focused on this issue. In this paper, we focus on the effect of snake threat display on human spontaneous attention. We performed an eye-tracking experiment with participants from Somaliland and the Czechia and investigated whether human attention is swayed towards snakes in a threatening posture. Seventy-one Somalis and 71 Czechs were tested; the samples were matched for gender and comparable in age structure and education level. We also investigated the effect of snake morphotype as snakes differ in their threat display. We found that snakes in a threatening posture were indeed gazed upon more than snakes in a relaxed (non-threatening) posture. Further, we found a large effect of snake morphotype as this was especially prominent in cobras, less in vipers, and mostly non-significant in other morphotypes. Finally, despite highly different cultural and environmental backgrounds, the overall pattern of reaction towards snakes was similar in Somalis and Czechs supporting the evolutionary origin of the phenomenon. We concluded that human attention is preferentially directed towards snakes, especially cobras and vipers, in threatening postures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iveta Štolhoferová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Daniel Frynta
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Markéta Janovcová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Veronika Rudolfová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Hassan Sh Abdirahman Elmi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education, Amoud University, Borama, Somalia
| | - Kateřina Rexová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Daniel Alex Berti
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - David Král
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - David Sommer
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Eva Landová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petra Frýdlová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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Landim AS, de Menezes Souza J, Dos Santos LB, de Freitas Lins-Neto EM, da Silva DT, Ferreira FS. Food taboos and animal conservation: a systematic review on how cultural expressions influence interaction with wildlife species. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2023; 19:31. [PMID: 37454092 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-023-00600-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human societies have food taboos as social rules that restrict access to a particular animal. Taboos are pointed out as tools for the conservation of animals, considering that the presence of this social rule prevents the consumption of animals. This work consists of a systematic review that aimed to verify how food taboos vary between different animal species, and how this relationship has influenced their conservation. METHODS For this systematic review, the search for articles by keywords took place in the databases "Science Direct," Scopus," "SciELo" and "Web of Science," associating the term "taboo" with the taxa "amphibians," "birds," "mammals," "fish" and "reptiles." From this search, 3959 titles were found related to the key terms of the research. After the entire screening process carried out by paired reviewers, only 25 articles were included in the search. RESULTS It was identified that 100 species of animals are related to some type of taboo, and segmental taboos and specific taboos were predominant, with 93 and 31 citations, respectively. In addition, the taxon with the most taboos recorded was fish, followed by mammals. Our findings indicate that the taboo protects 99% of the animal species mentioned, being a crucial tool for the conservation of these species. CONCLUSIONS The present study covered the status of current knowledge about food taboos associated with wildlife in the world. It is noticeable that taboos have a considerable effect on animal conservation, as the social restrictions imposed by taboos effectively contribute to the local conservation of species.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Santos Landim
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Jeferson de Menezes Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana (UEFS), Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Lucrécia Braz Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Ernani Machado de Freitas Lins-Neto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Núcleo de Estudos de Conservação da Caatinga (NECC)/Colegiado de Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia Humana e Gestão Socioambiental, Universidade Do Estado da Bahia (UNEB), Juazeiro, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Daniel Tenório da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Felipe Silva Ferreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil.
- Núcleo de Estudos de Conservação da Caatinga (NECC)/Colegiado de Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana (UEFS), Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil.
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Frynta D, Elmi HSA, Rexová K, Janovcová M, Rudolfová V, Štolhoferová I, Král D, Sommer D, Berti DA, Frýdlová P. Animals evoking fear in the Cradle of Humankind: snakes, scorpions, and large carnivores. THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2023; 110:33. [PMID: 37405495 PMCID: PMC10322782 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-023-01859-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Theories explain the presence of fears and specific phobias elicited by animals in contemporary WEIRD (Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic) populations by their evolutionary past in Africa. Nevertheless, empirical data about fears of animals in the Cradle of Humankind are still fragmentary. To fill this gap, we examined which local animals are perceived as the most frightening by Somali people, who inhabit a markedly similar environment and the region where humans have evolved. We asked 236 raters to rank 42 stimuli according to their elicited fear. The stimuli were standardized pictures of species representing the local fauna. The results showed that the most frightening animals were snakes, scorpions, the centipede, and large carnivores (cheetahs and hyenas). These were followed up by lizards and spiders. Unlike in Europe, spiders represent less salient stimuli than scorpions for Somali respondents in this study. This conforms to the hypothesis suggesting that fear of spiders was extended or redirected from other chelicerates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Frynta
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Hassan Sh Abdirahman Elmi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
- Amoud University, Borama, Somaliland
| | - Kateřina Rexová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Janovcová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Rudolfová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Iveta Štolhoferová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - David Král
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - David Sommer
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Alex Berti
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Frýdlová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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10
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Ayvazyan N, Ghukasyan G, Ghulikyan L, Kirakosyan G, Sevoyan G, Voskanyan A, Karabekyan Z. The Contribution of Phospholipase A 2 and Metalloproteinases to the Synergistic Action of Viper Venom on the Bioenergetic Profile of Vero Cells. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14110724. [PMID: 36355974 PMCID: PMC9695613 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14110724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing concern about the use of animal models has stimulated the development of in vitro cell culture models for analysis of the biological effects of snake venoms. However, the complexity of animal venoms and the extreme synergy of the venom components during envenomation calls for critical review and analysis. The epithelium is a primary target for injected viper venom's toxic substances, and therefore, is a focus in modern toxinology. We used the Vero epithelial cell line as a model to compare the actions of a crude Macrovipera lebetina obtusa (Levantine viper) venom with the actions of the same venom with two key enzymatic components inhibited (specifically, phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and metalloproteinases) in the bioenergetic cellular response, i.e., oxygen uptake and reactive oxygen species generation. In addition to the rate of free-radical oxidation and lipid peroxidation, we measured real-time mitochondrial respiration (based on the oxygen consumption rate) and glycolysis (based on the extracellular acidification rate) using a Seahorse analyzer. Our data show that viper venom drives an increase in both glycolysis and respiration in Vero cells, while the blockage of PLA2 or/and metalloproteinases affects only the rates of the oxidative phosphorylation. PLA2-blocking in venom also increases cytotoxic activity and the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. These data show that certain components of the venom may have a different effect within the venom cocktail other than the purified enzymes due to the synergy of the venom components.
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11
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Zsido AN, Coelho CM, Polák J. Nature relatedness: A protective factor for snake and spider fears and phobias. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos M. Coelho
- Faculty of Psychology Chulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand
- School of Psychology ISMAI University Institute of Maia Porto Portugal
- Center for Psychology at University of Porto Porto Portugal
| | - Jakub Polák
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts Charles University Klecany Czech Republic
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12
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Farooq H, Bero C, Guilengue Y, Elias C, Massingue Y, Mucopote I, Nanvonamuquitxo C, Marais J, Antonelli A, Faurby S. Species perceived to be dangerous are more likely to have distinctive local names. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2021; 17:69. [PMID: 34895273 PMCID: PMC8665639 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-021-00493-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Species with direct uses, such as sources of food, shelter, building material and medicine tend to have more specific local names. But could the same apply for species that people fear? METHODS To address this question, here we explore the behavior and perception of species diversity and dangerousness through a survey of 1037 households in nine villages in Cabo Delgado, northern Mozambique. We compare people's knowledge of snakes with that of lizards and amphibians. RESULTS We find that northern Mozambicans know four to five times more local names for snakes than for lizards and frogs, despite the local species richness of snakes being comparable to the diversity of lizards and frogs. We further find that local knowledge was on par with the academic literature regarding snakebite symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that fear can increase the level of specificity in naming species among indigenous communities, which could lead to biases in the mapping and protection of species that include data from citizen reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harith Farooq
- Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, Göteborg, Sweden.
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden.
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique.
| | - Cláudio Bero
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique
| | - Yolanda Guilengue
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique
| | - Clementina Elias
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique
| | - Yasalde Massingue
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique
| | - Ivo Mucopote
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique
| | | | - Johan Marais
- African Snakebite Institute, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Alexandre Antonelli
- Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, Göteborg, Sweden
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey, UK
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Søren Faurby
- Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, Göteborg, Sweden
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
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13
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Coss RG, Charles EP. The Saliency of Snake Scales and Leopard Rosettes to Infants: Its Relevance to Graphical Patterns Portrayed in Prehistoric Art. Front Psychol 2021; 12:763436. [PMID: 34880813 PMCID: PMC8645795 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.763436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Geometrically arranged spots and crosshatched incised lines are frequently portrayed in prehistoric cave and mobiliary art. Two experiments examined the saliency of snake scales and leopard rosettes to infants that are perceptually analogous to these patterns. Experiment 1 examined the investigative behavior of 23 infants at three daycare facilities. Four plastic jars (15×14.5cm) with snake scales, leopard rosettes, geometric plaid, and plain patterns printed on yellowish-orange paper inside were placed individually on the floor on separate days during playtime. Fourteen 7–15-month-old infants approached each jar hesitantly and poked it before handling it for five times, the criterion selected for statistical analyses of poking frequency. The jars with snake scales and leopard rosettes yielded reliably higher poking frequencies than the geometric plaid and plain jars. The second experiment examined the gaze and grasping behavior of 15 infants (spanning 5months of age) seated on the laps of their mothers in front of a table. For paired comparisons, the experimenter pushed two of four upright plastic cylinders (13.5×5.5cm) with virtually the same colored patterns simultaneously toward each infant for 6s. Video recordings indicated that infants gazed significantly longer at the cylinders with snake scales and leopard rosettes than the geometric plaid and plain cylinders prior to grasping them. Logistic regression of gaze duration predicting cylinder choice for grasping indicated that seven of 24 paired comparisons were not significant, all of which involved choices of cylinders with snake scales and leopard rosettes that diverted attention before reaching. Evidence that these biological patterns are salient to infants during an early period of brain development might characterize the integration of subcortical and neocortical visual processes known to be involved in snake recognition. In older individuals, memorable encounters with snakes and leopards coupled with the saliency of snake scales and leopard rosettes possibly biased artistic renditions of similar patterns during prehistoric times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard G Coss
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Eric P Charles
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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14
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Nann S. How beliefs in traditional healers impact on the use of allopathic medicine: In the case of indigenous snakebite in Eswatini. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009731. [PMID: 34499648 PMCID: PMC8428564 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite is a major public health problem in Eswatini and serious envenomations can be responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality if not treated correctly. Antivenom should be administered in hospital in case of adverse reactions and any delays due to distance, transport, costs, antivenom availability and cultural beliefs can be critical. Myths and superstition surround snakes, with illness from snakebite considered a supernatural phenomenon best treated by traditional medicine since healers can explore causes through communication with the ancestors. Traditional consultations can cause significant delays and the remedies may cause further complications. Four rural focus group discussions were held in varying geographical regions to establish why people may choose traditional medicine following snakebite. The study revealed four themes, with no apparent gender bias. These were 'beliefs and traditions', 'logistical issues', 'lack of knowledge' and 'parallel systems'. All snakes are feared, regardless of geographical variations in species distribution. Deep-seated cultural beliefs were the most important reason for choosing traditional medicine, the success of which is largely attributed to the 'placebo effect' and positive expectations. Collaboration and integration of the allopathic and traditional systems assisted by the regulation of healers and their methods could improve future treatment success. The plight of victims could be further improved with more education, lower costs and improved allopathic facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nann
- Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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15
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Bhaumik S, Kallakuri S, Kaur A, Devarapalli S, Daniel M. Mental health conditions after snakebite: a scoping review. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 5:bmjgh-2020-004131. [PMID: 33257419 PMCID: PMC7705584 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease. Snakebite causes at least 120 000 death each year and it is estimated that there are three times as many amputations. Snakebite survivors are known to suffer from long-term physical and psychological sequelae, but not much is known on the mental health manifestations postsnakebite. Methods We conducted a scoping review and searched five major electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE(R), Global Health, APA PsycINFO, EMBASE classic+EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), contacted experts and conducted reference screening to identify primary studies on mental health manifestations after snakebite envenomation. Two reviewers independently conducted titles and abstract screening as well as full-text evaluation for final inclusion decision. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. We extracted data as per a standardised form and conducted narrative synthesis. Results We retrieved 334 studies and finally included 11 studies that met our eligibility criteria. Of the 11 studies reported, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was the most commonly studied mental health condition after snakebite, with five studies reporting it. Estimate of the burden of PTSD after snakebite was available from a modelling study. The other mental health conditions reported were focused around depression, psychosocial impairment of survivors after a snakebite envenomation, hysteria, delusional disorders and acute stress disorders. Conclusion There is a need for more research on understanding the neglected aspect of psychological morbidity of snakebite envenomation, particularly in countries with high burden. From the limited evidence available, depression and PTSD are major mental health manifestations in snakebite survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumyadeep Bhaumik
- The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India .,The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sudha Kallakuri
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The George Institute for Global Health, Hyderabad, India
| | - Amanpreet Kaur
- The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Mercian Daniel
- The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
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16
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Golubović A, Anđelković M, Tomović L, Arsovski D, Gvozdenović S, Šukalo G, Ajtić R, Bonnet X. Death‐feigning propensity varies within dice snake populations but not with sex or colour morph. J Zool (1987) 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Golubović
- Institute of Zoology Faculty of Biology University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia
| | - M. Anđelković
- Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” National Institute of Republic of Serbia University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia
| | - L. Tomović
- Institute of Zoology Faculty of Biology University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia
| | - D. Arsovski
- Macedonian Ecological Society Skopje North Macedonia
| | | | - G. Šukalo
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics University of Banja Luka Banja Luka Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - R. Ajtić
- Natural History Museum in Belgrade Belgrade Serbia
| | - X. Bonnet
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé Villiers‐en‐Bois France
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17
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Onyishi IE, Nwonyi SK, Pazda A, Prokop P. Attitudes and behaviour toward snakes on the part of Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 763:143045. [PMID: 33121773 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Snakes play a crucial role in natural ecosystems, providing ecological services to people by decreasing rodent populations which may cause disease transmission and impair agricultural production. Despite these benefits, snakes are historically a target of persecution and negative attitudes across cultures, and many of them are threatened. Understanding the predictors of snake-human conflicts is essential to improve conservation efforts. We investigated the degree to which emotions, myth beliefs, experience with snakes (via exposure, bites, and knowledge of mortality from a snakebite), and education would predict attitudes toward snakes in a sample of southeastern Nigerian people. We further examined whether attitudes would predict intentional killing of snakes. Ordinal regression analyses revealed that fear, disgust, and belief in the myth that snakes are evil were related to low tolerance of snakes. More frequent encounters with snakes and higher education were associated with higher tolerance of snakes. Furthermore, higher tolerance of snakes was associated with a reduced likelihood of intentionally killing snakes, even when controlling for the influence of the other psychological and experiential variables. Wildlife management education interventions may be important to change attitudes and decrease intentional killing of snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ike E Onyishi
- Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
| | - Sampson K Nwonyi
- Department of Psychology and Sociological Studies, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Adam Pazda
- University of South Carolina Aiken, Department of Psychology, 471 Univ Pkwy, Aiken, SC 29801, USA
| | - Pavol Prokop
- Department of Environmental Ecology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia; Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06 Bratislava, Slovakia.
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18
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Staňková H, Janovcová M, Peléšková Š, Sedláčková K, Landová E, Frynta D. The Ultimate List of the Most Frightening and Disgusting Animals: Negative Emotions Elicited by Animals in Central European Respondents. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030747. [PMID: 33803132 PMCID: PMC7999229 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals have always played an important role in our everyday life. They are given more attention than inanimate objects, which have been adaptive during the evolution of mankind, with some animal species still presenting a real threat to us. In this study, we focused on the species usually evaluated as the scariest and most disgusting in the animal kingdom. We analyzed which characteristics (e.g., weight, potential threat for humans) influence their evaluation in a nonclinical Central European WEIRD population (Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic). The tested animals were divided into two separated sets containing 34 standardized photos evoking predominantly one negative emotion, fear or disgust. The pictures were ranked according to their emotional intensity by 160 adult respondents with high inter-rater agreement. The most fear-eliciting species are mostly large vertebrates (e.g., carnivorans, ungulates, sharks, crocodiles), whereas smaller fear-evoking vertebrates are represented by snakes and invertebrates are represented by arachnids. The most disgust-evoking animals are human endo- and ectoparasites or animals visually resembling them. Humans emotionally react to fear-evoking animals that represent a real threat; however, identifying truly dangerous disgust-evoking animals might be harder. The results also support a somewhat special position of snakes and spiders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Staňková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic; (H.S.); (Š.P.); (K.S.)
| | - Markéta Janovcová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic; (M.J.); (D.F.)
| | - Šárka Peléšková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic; (H.S.); (Š.P.); (K.S.)
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic; (M.J.); (D.F.)
| | - Kristýna Sedláčková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic; (H.S.); (Š.P.); (K.S.)
| | - Eva Landová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic; (H.S.); (Š.P.); (K.S.)
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic; (M.J.); (D.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-723-409-406
| | - Daniel Frynta
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic; (M.J.); (D.F.)
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19
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Kishmiryan A, Ghukasyan G, Ghulikyan L, Darbinyan A, Parseghyan L, Voskanyan A, Ayvazyan NM. The development and evaluation of the efficacy of ovine-derived experimental antivenom immunoserum against Macrovipera lebetina obtusa (MLO) venom. JOURNAL OF VENOM RESEARCH 2021; 11:7-15. [PMID: 33747434 PMCID: PMC7970454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Here we describe the processing and development of animal-derived monovalent antibody serum against Macrovipera lebetina obtusa venom by purification and concentration of the immunoglobulins using caprylic acid. We demonstrate that this new viper venom antiserum is pre-clinically effective in neutralizing lethal toxicity and hemorrhagicity of the venom of the Armenian Levantine viper - a significant public health problem in Armenia and a wide region from south-east parts of Europe to south-west Asia. The developed product shows a high capacity to inhibit metalloproteinases and phospholipase activity of venom included in the study in comparison to current specific antivenoms, and following additional experimental approvals, it will be possible to derive the monovalent antivenom satisfying international standards, which will be much cheaper and accessible compared with the current market rivals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsen Kishmiryan
- L. A. Orbeli Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, Laboratory of Toxinology and Molecular Systematics,0028, Orbeli 22, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Gevorg Ghukasyan
- L. A. Orbeli Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, Laboratory of Toxinology and Molecular Systematics,0028, Orbeli 22, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Lusine Ghulikyan
- L. A. Orbeli Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, Laboratory of Toxinology and Molecular Systematics,0028, Orbeli 22, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Anna Darbinyan
- L. A. Orbeli Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, Laboratory of Toxinology and Molecular Systematics,0028, Orbeli 22, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Lilia Parseghyan
- L. A. Orbeli Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, Laboratory of Toxinology and Molecular Systematics,0028, Orbeli 22, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Armen Voskanyan
- L. A. Orbeli Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, Laboratory of Toxinology and Molecular Systematics,0028, Orbeli 22, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Naira M Ayvazyan
- L. A. Orbeli Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, Laboratory of Toxinology and Molecular Systematics,0028, Orbeli 22, Yerevan, Armenia,*Correspondence to: Naira Ayvazyan, , , Tel: +374 91 587344, Fax: +374 10 272247
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20
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Landová E, Peléšková Š, Sedláčková K, Janovcová M, Polák J, Rádlová S, Vobrubová B, Frynta D. Venomous snakes elicit stronger fear than nonvenomous ones: Psychophysiological response to snake images. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236999. [PMID: 32813734 PMCID: PMC7437868 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakes have been important ambush predators of both primates and human hunter-gatherers throughout their co-evolutionary history. Viperid snakes in particular are responsible for most fatal venomous snakebites worldwide and thus represent a strong selective pressure. They elicit intense fear in humans and are easily recognizable thanks to their distinctive morphotype. In this study, we measured skin resistance (SR) and heart rate (HR) in human subjects exposed to snake pictures eliciting either high fear (10 venomous viperid species) or disgust (10 nonvenomous fossorial species). Venomous snakes subjectively evaluated as frightening trigger a stronger physiological response (higher SR amplitude) than repulsive non-venomous snakes. However, stimuli presented in a block (more intense stimulation) do not trigger a stronger emotional response compared to sequentially presented stimuli (less intense stimulation). There are significant interindividual differences as subjects with high fear of snakes confronted with images of viperid snakes show stronger, longer-lasting, and more frequent changes in SR and higher HR compared to low-fear subjects. Thus, we show that humans demonstrate a remarkable ability to discriminate between dangerous viperids and harmless fossorial snakes, which is also reflected in distinct autonomous body responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Landová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Šárka Peléšková
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Sedláčková
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Janovcová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Polák
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Silvie Rádlová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Vobrubová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Frynta
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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21
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Polák J, Rádlová S, Janovcová M, Flegr J, Landová E, Frynta D. Scary and nasty beasts: Self‐reported fear and disgust of common phobic animals. Br J Psychol 2020; 111:297-321. [DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Polák
- National Institute of Mental Health Klecany Czech Republic
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts Charles University Prague Czech Republic
| | - Silvie Rádlová
- National Institute of Mental Health Klecany Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Janovcová
- National Institute of Mental Health Klecany Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science Charles University Prague Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Flegr
- National Institute of Mental Health Klecany Czech Republic
| | - Eva Landová
- National Institute of Mental Health Klecany Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science Charles University Prague Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Frynta
- National Institute of Mental Health Klecany Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science Charles University Prague Czech Republic
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22
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Rádlová S, Polák J, Janovcová M, Sedláčková K, Peléšková Š, Landová E, Frynta D. Emotional Reaction to Fear- and Disgust-Evoking Snakes: Sensitivity and Propensity in Snake-Fearful Respondents. Front Psychol 2020; 11:31. [PMID: 32047463 PMCID: PMC6997343 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper continues our previous study in which we examined the respondents’ reaction to two morphologically different snake stimuli categories – one evoking exclusively fear and another evoking exclusively disgust. Here we acquired Likert-type scale scores of fear and disgust evoked by the same snake stimuli by a total of 330 respondents. Moreover, we collected data about the respondents’ age, gender, education, snake fear [Snake Questionnaire (SNAQ)], and disgust propensity [Disgust Scale-Revised (DS-R)], and we analyzed the effect of these variables on the emotional scores (with special focus on snake-fearful respondents). In addition, we collected the SNAQ and DS-R scores from the respondents tested in the previous study using the rank-ordering method to directly compare the results of these two approaches. The results showed that non-fearful respondents give high scores of fear to the fear-eliciting snakes and high scores of disgust to the disgust-eliciting snakes, but they give low scores of the other emotional dimension (disgust/fear) to each. In contrast, snake-fearful respondents not only give higher fear and disgust scores to the respective snake stimuli, but they also give high scores of fear to the disgust-eliciting snakes and high scores of disgust to the fear-eliciting snakes. Both Likert-scale scores and rank-ordering data show that the clear border dividing both snake stimuli categories dissolves when evaluated by the snake-fearful respondents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvie Rádlová
- Applied Neuroscience and Neuroimaging Research Programme, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
| | - Jakub Polák
- Applied Neuroscience and Neuroimaging Research Programme, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Markéta Janovcová
- Applied Neuroscience and Neuroimaging Research Programme, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Kristýna Sedláčková
- Applied Neuroscience and Neuroimaging Research Programme, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Šárka Peléšková
- Applied Neuroscience and Neuroimaging Research Programme, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Eva Landová
- Applied Neuroscience and Neuroimaging Research Programme, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Daniel Frynta
- Applied Neuroscience and Neuroimaging Research Programme, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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23
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Coelho CM, Suttiwan P, Faiz AM, Ferreira-Santos F, Zsido AN. Are Humans Prepared to Detect, Fear, and Avoid Snakes? The Mismatch Between Laboratory and Ecological Evidence. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2094. [PMID: 31572273 PMCID: PMC6749087 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Since Seligman (1971) statement that the vast majority of phobias are about objects essential to the survival of a species, a multitude of laboratory studies followed, supporting the finding that humans learn to fear and detect snakes (and other animals) faster than other stimuli. Most of these studies used schematic drawings, images, or pictures of snakes, and only a small amount of fieldwork in naturalistic environments was done. We address fear preparedness theories and automatic fast detection data from mainstream laboratory data and compare it with ethobehavioral information relative to snakes, predator-prey interaction, and snakes’ defensive kinematics strikes in order to analyze their potential matching. From this analysis, four main findings arose, namely that (1) snakebites occur when people are very close to the snake and are unaware or unable to escape the bite; (2) human visual detection and escape response is slow compared to the speed of snake strikes; (3) in natural environments, snake experts are often unable to see snakes existing nearby; (4) animate objects in general capture more attention over other stimuli and dangerous, but recent objects in evolutionary terms are also able to be detected fast. The issues mentioned above pose several challenges to evolutionary psychology-based theories expecting to find special-purpose neural modules. The older selective habituation hypothesis (Schleidt, 1961) that prey animals start with a rather general predator image from which specific harmless cues are removed by habituation might deserve reconsideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos M Coelho
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Panrapee Suttiwan
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Abul M Faiz
- Department of Psychology, Dev Care Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fernando Ferreira-Santos
- Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andras N Zsido
- Department of General and Evolutionary Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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24
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Frynta D, Peléšková Š, Rádlová S, Janovcová M, Landová E. Human evaluation of amphibian species: a comparison of disgust and beauty. Naturwissenschaften 2019; 106:41. [PMID: 31263997 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-019-1635-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Animals can evoke a wide range of emotions helping us to choose a quick and appropriate reaction towards them: approach or avoidance in general. This work has focused on disgust evoked by amphibians in humans as well as perceived beauty. Due to the high morphological variability of recent amphibian taxa, we examined humans' cognitive categorisation of 101 amphibian photos and the effect of stimuli characteristics on disgust evaluation or beauty perception of individual groups/species. We also explored how respondents' characteristics, e.g. gender, age and disgust sensitivity (DS-R) influence the disgust and beauty evaluation of picture stimuli on a 7-point Likert scale. The scores of disgust and beauty evaluation were strongly negatively correlated, representing the opposite ends of a single axis, further referred to as the index of preference. The most preferred amphibians belonged to anurans, whereas the least preferred ones were mostly worm-like, legless and small-eyed caecilians. Additional analyses of morphologically diverse anurans showed that species with a round body shape, short forelegs, small eyes, warts, pink and grey colouration, or dark and dull colouration were perceived as disgusting or ugly. The effect of gender and age were only marginal; however, people with higher disgust sensitivity rated amphibians as more disgusting and less beautiful, which might support the hypothesis of a possible disgust involvement in animal fears and phobias. This topic has implications not only for the nature conservation decisions of globally endangered amphibians but also for understanding the evolution of disgust and its generalisation to harmless animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Frynta
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague, Czech Republic.,National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Šárka Peléšková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague, Czech Republic.,National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Silvie Rádlová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Janovcová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague, Czech Republic.,National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Landová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague, Czech Republic. .,National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic.
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25
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Polák J, Landová E, Frynta D. Undisguised disgust: a psychometric evaluation of a disgust propensity measure. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-018-9925-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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26
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Janovcová M, Rádlová S, Polák J, Sedláčková K, Peléšková Š, Žampachová B, Frynta D, Landová E. Human Attitude toward Reptiles: A Relationship between Fear, Disgust, and Aesthetic Preferences. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9050238. [PMID: 31091781 PMCID: PMC6562393 DOI: 10.3390/ani9050238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Although there are many articles about reptiles, no one has ever studied the human perception of reptiles as a whole, a group that would include representatives of different taxonomic clades. Thus, we designed a study of human perception of all reptiles focusing on the relationship between perceived fear, disgust, and aesthetic preferences. Respondents evaluated various reptile images and the results revealed that people tend to perceive them as two clearly distinct groups based on their similar morphotype—legless reptiles (incl. snakes) and other reptiles with legs. In the case of snakes, the most feared species also tend to be perceived as beautiful. Compared to the most feared reptiles with legs (lizards, turtle, crocodiles), the legless once tend to be perceived as more disgusting. In both groups, species perceived as the least beautiful were the same as those rated as the most disgusting. Thus, reptiles cannot be rated as both beautiful and disgusting at the same time. Abstract Focusing on one group of animals can bring interesting results regarding our attitudes toward them and show the key features that our evaluation of such animals is based on. Thus, we designed a study of human perception of all reptiles focusing on the relationship between perceived fear, disgust, and aesthetic preferences and differences between snakes and other reptiles. Two sets containing 127 standardized photos of reptiles were developed, with one species per each subfamily. Respondents were asked to rate the animals according to fear, disgust, and beauty on a seven-point Likert scale. Evaluation of reptile species shows that people tend to perceive them as two clearly distinct groups based on their similar morphotype. In a subset of lizards, there was a positive correlation between fear and disgust, while disgust and fear were both negatively correlated with beauty. Surprisingly, a positive correlation between fear and beauty of snakes was revealed, i.e., the most feared species also tend to be perceived as beautiful. Snakes represent a distinct group of animals that is also reflected in the theory of attentional prioritization of snakes as an evolutionary relevant threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markéta Janovcová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic.
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Silvie Rádlová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Polák
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic.
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Sedláčková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic.
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Šárka Peléšková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic.
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Žampachová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic.
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Frynta
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic.
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Landová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic.
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
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27
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Rádlová S, Janovcová M, Sedláčková K, Polák J, Nácar D, Peléšková Š, Frynta D, Landová E. Snakes Represent Emotionally Salient Stimuli That May Evoke Both Fear and Disgust. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1085. [PMID: 31143154 PMCID: PMC6521895 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans perceive snakes as threatening stimuli, resulting in fast emotional and behavioral responses. However, snake species differ in their true level of danger and are highly variable in appearance despite the uniform legless form. Different snakes may evoke fear or disgust in humans, or even both emotions simultaneously. We designed three-step-selection experiments to identify prototypical snake species evoking exclusively fear or disgust. First, two independent groups of respondents evaluated 45 images covering most of the natural variability of snakes and rated responses to either perceived fear (n = 175) or disgust (n = 167). Snakes rated as the most fear-evoking were from the family Viperidae (Crotalinae, Viperinae, and Azemiopinae), while the ones rated as the most disgusting were from the group of blind snakes called Typhlopoidea (Xenotyphlopinae, Typhlopinae, and Anomalepidinae). We then identified the specific traits contributing to the perception of fear (large body size, expressive scales with contrasting patterns, and bright coloration) and disgust (thin body, smooth texture, small eyes, and dull coloration). Second, to create stimuli evoking a discrete emotional response, we developed a picture set consisting of 40 snakes with exclusively fear-eliciting and 40 snakes with disgust-eliciting features. Another set of respondents (n = 172) sorted the set, once according to perceived fear and the second time according to perceived disgust. The results showed that the fear-evoking and disgust-evoking snakes fit mainly into their respective groups. Third, we randomly selected 20 species (10 fear-evoking and 10 disgust-evoking) out of the previous set and had them professionally illustrated. A new set of subjects (n = 104) sorted these snakes and confirmed that the illustrated snakes evoked the same discrete emotions as their photographic counterparts. These illustrations are included in the study and may be freely used as a standardized assessment tool when investigating the role of fear and disgust in human emotional response to snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Rádlová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
| | - M Janovcová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - K Sedláčková
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - J Polák
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - D Nácar
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
| | - Š Peléšková
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
| | - D Frynta
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - E Landová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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28
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Renoult JP, Mendelson TC. Processing bias: extending sensory drive to include efficacy and efficiency in information processing. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20190165. [PMID: 30940061 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Communication signals often comprise an array of colours, lines, spots, notes or odours that are arranged in complex patterns, melodies or blends. Receiver perception is assumed to influence preference and thus the evolution of signal design, but evolutionary biologists still struggle to understand how perception, preference and signal design are mechanistically linked. In parallel, the field of empirical aesthetics aims to understand why people like some designs more than others. The model of processing bias discussed here is rooted in empirical aesthetics, which posits that preferences are influenced by the emotional system as it monitors the dynamics of information processing and that attractive signals have effective designs that maximize information transmission, efficient designs that allow information processing at low metabolic cost, or both. We refer to the causal link between preference and the emotionally rewarding experience of effective and efficient information processing as the processing bias, and we apply it to the evolutionary model of sensory drive. A sensory drive model that incorporates processing bias hypothesizes a causal chain of relationships between the environment, perception, pleasure, preference and ultimately the evolution of signal design, both simple and complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien P Renoult
- 1 Centre of Evolutionary and Functional Ecology (CEFE UMR5175), CNRS-University of Montpellier-University Paul-Valery Montpellier-EPHE) , 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier , France
| | - Tamra C Mendelson
- 2 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County , 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250 , USA
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29
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Rádlová S, Landová E, Frynta D. Judging Others by Your Own Standards: Attractiveness of Primate Faces as Seen by Human Respondents. Front Psychol 2018; 9:2439. [PMID: 30618913 PMCID: PMC6297365 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aspects of facial attractiveness have been widely studied, especially within the context of evolutionary psychology, which proposes that aesthetic judgements of human faces are shaped by biologically based standards of beauty reflecting the mate quality. However, the faces of primates, who are very similar to us yet still considered non-human, remain neglected. In this paper, we aimed to study the facial attractiveness of non-human primates as judged by human respondents. We asked 286 Czech respondents to score photos of 107 primate species according to their perceived "beauty." Then, we analyzed factors affecting the scores including morphology, colors, and human-likeness. We found that the three main primate groups were each scored using different cues. The proportions of inner facial features and distinctiveness are cues widely reported to affect human facial attractiveness. Interestingly, we found that these factors also affected the attractiveness scores of primate faces, but only within the Catarrhines, i.e., the primate group most similar to humans. Within this group, human-likeness positively affected the attractiveness scores, and facial extremities such as a prolonged nose or exaggerated cheeks were considered the least attractive. On the contrary, the least human-like prosimians were scored as the most attractive group. The results are discussed in the context of the "uncanny valley," the widely discussed empirical rule.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daniel Frynta
- RP3 Applied Neurosciences and Brain Imaging, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
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30
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Landová E, Poláková P, Rádlová S, Janovcová M, Bobek M, Frynta D. Beauty ranking of mammalian species kept in the Prague Zoo: does beauty of animals increase the respondents' willingness to protect them? Naturwissenschaften 2018; 105:69. [PMID: 30488357 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-018-1596-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Aesthetic preferences for animals correspond with the species' presence in the worldwide zoos and influence the conservation priorities. Here, we investigated the relationship between the willingness of respondents to protect mammals and some attributed characteristics such as their aesthetic beauty. Further, several methodological aspects of measuring mammalian beauty were assessed. Animal beauty was associated not only with the respondents' willingness to protect the species but also with its attributed dangerousness and usefulness. We found that the most preferred animals were carnivores and ungulates, whilst smaller species of rodents and afrosoricids were unpopular. The main characteristics determining that an animal will be ranked as beautiful were complex fur pattern and body shape. We demonstrated that the position of mammalian species along the 'beauty' axis is surprisingly stable, no matter the form (illustrations vs photographs), context of stimulus presentation (several number of stimuli per family vs one randomly selected species per family), or the method of beauty evaluation (relative order vs Likert's scale).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Landová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Poláková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Silvie Rádlová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Janovcová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Bobek
- The Prague zoological garden, U Trojského zámku 3/120, 171 00, Prague 7, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Frynta
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic.
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