Snake detection theory

According to the theory, predatory pressure on early primate populations from snakes selected individuals who were best able to recognize them, improving their survival chances and therefore transferring such skill to their offspring.

In her book The Fruit, the Tree, and the Serpent (2009),[4] anthropologist Lynne Isbell writes that snakes evolved to be difficult to detect and mortally dangerous.

Surviving the peril of snakes for millions of years required selective pressure favoring primates' specialized visual systems.

[5][6] Some studies have found that humans can detect snake images before subjective visual perception.

[12] Non-invasive electroencephalogram (EEG) studies have found an enhanced visual brain activity in response to images of snakes in humans.

Vipera Aspis.
According to the Snake Detection Hypothesis, venomous and life-threatening snakes, including asp vipers , were crucial for the evolution of primates' visual systems.