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Science 29 July 1977:
Vol. 197. no. 4302, pp. 493 - 495
DOI: 10.1126/science.301659
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Articles

Science, Vol 197, Issue 4302, 493-495
Copyright © 1977 by American Association for the Advancement of Science

articles

Motion sickness: an evolutionary hypothesis

M Treisman

Since the occurrence of vomiting as a response to motion is both widespread and apparently disadvantageous, it presents a problem for evolutionary theory. An hypothesis is proposed suggesting that motion sickness is triggered by difficulties which arise in the programming of movements of the eyes or head when the relations between the spatial frameworks defined by the visual, vestibular, or proprioceptive inputs are repeatedly and unpredictably perturbed. Such perturbations may be produced by certain types of motion, or by disturbances in sensory input or motor control produced by ingested toxins. The last would be the important cause in nature, the main function of the emesis being to rid the individual of ingested neurotoxins. Its occurrence in response to motion would be an accidental by product of this system.


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