The human species' unique body chemistry was determined by environmental pressures over millions of years before the dawn of civilization. Different pressures have had different results in other creatures. The female squirrel is sexually receptive only once in the winter, and perhaps a second time several months later. Humans aren't influenced as much by the seasons, probably because our ancestors evolved in more tropical climates where weather conditions didn't vary much. Besides, we have a wide-ranging diet. So food was relatively easy for our ancestors to get throughout the year, and there was no bad time for giving birth.
Yet many people experience emotional and physical changes this time of year. The increase in daylight stimulates even the human hypothalamus, and the pituitary gland starts secreting a different blend of hormones. Our reproductive organs are affected. The male testosterone level may increase, as it does in many birds, stimulating territorial and sexual behaviour. And the nervous system will also be affected. You may experience an increase in those stimulating neurotransmitters. In general, people become more energetic, alert, sexually active, and perhaps aggressive.
So we have some things in common with my squirrels in the tree. Although it's only Valentine's Day, don't be surprised if you're feeling Spring Fever.
Information sources for this article include those linked within the article and those listed below. For further exploration of this topic, you will find these websites informative and entertaining:
6.
Nov 6, 2005 4:20 PM
I just tried pheromones for the first time and they defintely do have an impact. I tried it at the club last week and I could defintely see a difference in how women reacted when I approched them. I b ...
-- posted by Jane64
5.
Mar 25, 2004 5:23 PM
I'm getting pretty amazing results with Pherone formula M-11 from Pherone pheromones http://www.pherone.com.
I find that women are a lot more friendly and interested in me, and I've caught a coupl ...
-- posted by lawrenceX
4.
Feb 19, 2002 7:54 AM
Hi Van,
I overlooked this excellent article somehow what with all the changes going on at Suite101.
Enjoyed your look at the physical aspect of the love game and learned quite a bit about how Na ...
-- posted by Sunbear
3.
Feb 3, 2002 7:41 PM
I think you have it right. Parrots, with each successive generation in captivity become more like humans in procreation. Lovebirds in their natural habitat have a cycle based on climate and access to ...
-- posted by JLevack
2.
Feb 3, 2002 4:19 AM
Very interesting, Silvan. The squirrels have definitely been bitten by the "love" bug, in my yard, too. But the deer have just finished the rutting season, and the bucks are back to the buddy system ...
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to
Van Waffle's
Living With Nature topic, please visit the Discussions page.
