Predators and prey

[Guest guest]

>Ms Nandita Shah said, " In nature, when a lion kills a zebra,

>its actually supporting the survival of the species because it

>eliminates the weakest. "

 

This is basically correct, since on balance predators tend

most often to kill the oldest, weakest, sickest, most seriously

injured, and the most unwary, as well as large numbers of the very

young, many of whom might starve without the effects of predation to

make more food available to the survivors.

 

However, there is a random element to predation, and even

the fittest animal may make a mistake or be in the wrong place at a

particular time.

 

One of the best explanations of predation I am aware of is

this, from the TV situation comedy " Cheers " :

 

 

" Well ya see, Norm, it's like this... A herd of buffalo can

only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is

hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are

killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a

whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps

improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the

same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest

brain cells.

 

" Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain

cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells

first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the

weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient

machine, which is why you always feel smarter after a few beers. "

 

 

 

--

Merritt Clifton

Editor, ANIMAL PEOPLE

P.O. Box 960

Clinton, WA 98236

 

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Fax: 360-579-2575

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Web: www.animalpeoplenews.org

 

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