Why women can't read maps

[Gypsy-Rhiannon]

Hmmmmm.....



http://www.ntlworld.com/partners/itn/britain/125759.php

Women find it difficult to read maps and park cars because of their experience in the womb, it has been claimed.

They are generally exposed to less of the male hormone testosterone before birth than men.

This reduces their spatial ability in later life, say scientists. It also leaves a tell-tale imprint on their hands. Low prenatal testosterone has genetic effects which cause the wedding ring finger to grow significantly shorter than the index finger.

People whose ring and index fingers are close to the same length make better navigators, according to the research.

Spatial skill is the ability to assess and orientate shapes and spaces.

Map reading and parking cars are two spatial skills often cited as deficient in women.

A team led by Petra Kempel, from the University of Giessen in Germany, tested the spatial, verbal and numerical skills of 40 mostly student volunteers of both sexes.

She also measured the 2D:4D ratio of the second and fourth fingers of the participants.

The ratio was significantly lower in males than in females, whose fingers were generally more the same length.