New research reveals the evolutionary reasons for "women are afraid of cold, men are afraid of heat"
Science and Technology Daily (intern reporter Zhang Jiaxin) In the same office, women are wearing sweaters, while men are wearing short sleeves with air conditioners. Does this scene seem familiar?
What caused this difference?
Recently, researchers from the Faculty of Zoology at Tel Aviv University in Israel provided a new evolutionary explanation for this: This phenomenon is not unique to humans, and many male animals (birds and mammals) prefer lower temperatures than females.
The researchers said: "Men and women have different perceptions of temperature. This is the inherent difference in the evolution of the heat-sensitive systems of the sexes. Among other factors, this is related to the reproductive process and caring for the offspring." Related research papers were published in the recent " In the journal Global Ecology and Biogeography.
This time, the researchers conducted in-depth statistical and spatial distribution analysis of dozens of species of birds and bats living in Israel, and conducted a comprehensive review of relevant international research literature.
Studies in the literature have found that during the breeding season, males and females are more likely to separate from each other. Males live in cooler burrows; females give birth and raise cubs in warmer areas.
There are similar phenomena in many birds and mammals.
Among migratory birds, males spend the winter in colder places.
Even among mammals that are born in pairs or live together for a lifetime, males prefer shade and females prefer sunlight.
Subsequently, they sampled information on more than 11,000 birds and bats in Israel over the past 40 years (1981-2018).
Studies have shown that the phenomenon of “estrangement” due to temperature is not unique to humans. In many birds and mammals, females prefer warmer environments than males. At certain times, such as the breeding period, this preference can lead to The separation between the sexes.
Just as women are more likely to feel pain than men, neural mechanisms and hormonal differences can bring about sensory differences.
The researchers hypothesized that the differences in heat-sensitive mechanisms formed during the evolution of women and men led to differences in temperature perception.
The lead author of the paper, Dr. Margory Cohen, pointed out that there are many evolutionary explanations for this difference.
First, the separation between men and women reduces competition for environmental resources and excludes men who may be aggressive and endanger babies.
In addition, many female mammals must protect their offspring when they cannot regulate their body temperature, so they have developed a preference for a relatively warm climate.