A new study in the US suggests that women have a genetic aversion to dangerous animals, such as spiders.
The research, published in the New Scientist, says women are born with character traits that were ingrained in our hunter-gatherer ancestors.
As child protectors, they have to shun animals that threaten them or their young off-spring, researchers said.
Previous research suggested women were actually up to four times more likely to be afraid of creatures like spiders.
The new research was headed up by developmental psychologist, Dr David Rakison, from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, 10 baby girls, and 10 baby boys were subjected to a number of pictures of spiders to gauge their reactions.
Girls 'born with fear of spiders'
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