Why Do Humans Get Dizzy? An Evolutionary Biologist Explains
The human vestibular system, responsible for balance and spatial orientation, has evolutionary roots stretching back half a billion years to ancient fish. This system, comprising three semicircular canals and two otolith organs, evolved from a fluid-sensing lateral line system in early aquatic vertebrates. The semicircular canals detect rotational movement using fluid-filled structures and hair cells, while the otolith organs sense gravity and linear acceleration via calcium carbonate crystals. This ancient biological hardware, layered with adaptations for terrestrial life, explains phenomena like post-spin dizziness. AI
