Why Don't Spiders Stick to Their Webs? by Matthews Robert

Author:Matthews, Robert [Matthews, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781780740027
Publisher: Oneworld Publications

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If telepathy is possible, why hasn’t evolution made it commonplace?

This is a neat argument often put forward by sceptics of “paranormal” phenomena such as telepathy; it was first raised, I think, by the science fiction writer Isaac Asimov. Given the evolutionary advantage a “sixth sense” would give organisms in finding mates or prey, it is surely remarkable that no animal has developed such abilities. Leaving aside for the moment the possibility that some actually have, there are several rejoinders to what we might call Asimov’s Paradox. First, just because an evolutionarily useful effect exists does not guarantee that creatures must exploit it. Superconductivity, which allows electric current to flow without resistance, may well be useful for some living creatures. The trouble is, this phenomenon only reveals itself at temperatures below –77°C and it is hard to see how random mutation and natural selection will ever produce a creature that can cope with those conditions. Similarly, we still await the emergence of badgers with X-ray vision, fusion-powered fish or atomic roosters.

Some would argue that the most serious flaw in Asimov’s Paradox is its assertion that there really are no creatures with paranormal powers. Over the years, there have been various claims for psychic parrots and dogs who sense when their owners are coming home. While intriguing – and certainly entertaining – the evidence is far from conclusive. I am personally more convinced by the evidence for the existence of telepathic abilities in humans, as apparently demonstrated in experiments by researchers in well-respected academic institutions such as the University of Edinburgh.

These experiments suggest that while telepathic communication between humans may exist, the effect is rather weak – like trying to pick up Radio Brisbane on a crystal set. This suggests that the reason we don’t communicate via telepathy is that evolutionary processes have led us down the more efficient route of exploiting the far stronger emissions of sight and sound that surround us. That said, one cannot rule out the possibility that there are creatures that make routine use of telepathic powers. The best place to look for such organisms would be in an environment where the five conventional senses don’t work very well, such as the abyssal depths of the world’s oceans.

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