Role of Biology in dispelling myths and misbelieves 1

Role of Biology in dispelling myths and misbelieves 1

A number of myths, misconceptions and misbelieves exist about the living world. A student of biology can help the common man and the society to overcome these misconceptions. Some of the common myths and misconceptions prevalent in our society are given below:
Snakes are a totally misunderstood organism and a number of myths and misconceptions are there connected with them. A popular belief is that snakes can hypnotise or charm their prey. The basis of this myth might be due to the observation that rats, birds and other prey become motionless out of fear when confronted with a snake. This might be due to the inability of the snakes to blink their eyes.
Most of us believe that a snake charmer can make a snake dance to the tune of his flute. A biologist knows that snakes can not hear sound as they do not have external ears. The dance of the snake might be due to the action of the snake charmer while playing the flute.
Another popular myth about snakes is that they can suck milk from the teats of cattle. Biology tells that a snake can drink only by submerging its head or mouth in water. It takes water by expanding its body wall. Besides, snakes do not have any mechanism for sucking. They are actually carnivorous animals. The snakes move around in barns in search of the rodents like rats and mouse which inhabit the barns to consume the grains.

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