Evolved mechanisms underlying wayfinding: further studies on the hunter-gatherer theory of spatial sex differences

Based on Silverman and Eals' hunter-gatherer theory of the origin of sex-sp ecific spatial attributes, the present research sought to identify the evol ved mechanisms involved in hunting that contribute to the dimorphism. The f ocus of these studies was the relationship between three-dimensional mental rotations, the spatial test showing the largest and most reliable sex diff erence favoring males, and wayfinding in the woods. Space constancy was pre sumed to be the evolved mechanism fundamental to both of these abilities. M easures of wayfinding were derived by leading subjects individually on a ci rcuitous route through a wooded area, during which they were stopped at pre scribed places and required to set an arrow pointing in the direction the w alk began. As well, subjects were eventually required to lead the experimen ters back to the starting point by the most direct route. In support of the hypotheses, males excelled on the various measures of wayfinding, and wayf inding was significantly related across sexes to mental rotations scores bu t not to nonrotational spatial abilities or general intelligence. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.