Re: Predators prefer to hunt small brained prey

[Dann Pigdon <dannj@alphalink.com.au>]

Quoting Jura <pristichampsus@yahoo.com>:

> I think what we have here is a prime example of a case
> where correlation does not equal causation.
>
> Given the examples cited in the report, I'd wager that
> the degree of group living probably plays a larger
> role in prey selection than brain size would. Chimps
> might get attacked less often because there are
> numerous members willing to flog the predator with
> sticks and stones during the predation attempt.
> Antelope (and red   river hogs) usually just run away
> when faced with the same situation.

Indeed. In fact, the act of fleeing can often induce a predatory  
response, whether or not the predator was actively hunting. That's why  
some creatures have evolved to 'play dead'. Logic suggests that  
staying still in plain sight should make it easier for the predator -  
however if this was the case then no creature would ever evolve to  
play dead to avoid predation (and many clearly have). Larger-brained  
prey may be better able to exploit such weaknesses in predatory  
behaviour, whereas the less intelligent 'all-purpose flight response'  
animals may simply react instincually - and make the predatory  
response even stronger.

Also, those creatures that have taken the 'all-purpose flight  
response' evolutionary path to predator avoidance may well have  
simplified their brains (along with other body parts) in an attempt to  
make their bodies as light as possible. Antelopes come to mind in this  
case.

And who determined that red river hogs were 'small brained'? I thought  
suids in general were fairly intelligent creatures. Certainly studies  
on domestic pigs have shown they tend to learn faster than chimps  
(they can do remarkable things with a computer once taught to operate  
a joystick with their snouts).

Of course, the blanket term 'predators' in the article title should  
really be refined to 'certain mammalian predators'. Great White sharks  
certainly have no qualms about targeting animals much 'smarter' than  
they are.

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Dann Pigdon
GIS / Archaeologist         http://heretichides.soffiles.com
Melbourne, Australia        http://www.geocities.com/dannsdinosaurs
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