Triple-F Fear

Goose Bumps, Fluff Response   (Photo by Ildar Sagdejev)

Back in science class, we all learned about double-f fear:  fight and flight.

Nowadays, triple-f fear is all the rage:  fluff, freeze and focus.  When a furry (hairy) animal encounters a threat, it tends to appear more fluffy.  This may be nature’s way of scaring off predators by making prey look larger.

The proverbial deer-in-the-headlights freeze response is another protective measure.  Motionless prey can more easily hide from hungry stalkers.

The third f, “focus,” can accompany either of the first two.  The heightened alertness that comes with fear can help a body to successfully employ survival techniques.

Resources

http://www.livescience.com/56691-the-science-of-fear.html 

Copyright October 30, 2016 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved