As noted, this isn't that different from the avian world, and, indeed, arguably, the mammalian world. In short, survival of the fittest. Yes, there is wastage, but that just ups the odds that the best genes win. And, in times of plenty, those spares can help build the species, but are sacrificed for the good of the genetic line in times of want.
The big question is whether humans do this too, at some level. I would argue yes, that mothers do discriminate between/among their young, esp. if they have a number of them. Much less so, of course, when there are only a couple over two or three decades.
Anybody who has ever bred dogs or cats or fostered a litter has seen this. It takes intervention to save the runt. I think farm people know this intuitively.
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९ टिप्पण्या:
Evolution at work.
Let's not antropomorphize everything.
Nature works as nature does.
We believe in evolution. Right, Jen?
No wonder I'm taller than my brother! I was better fed. Mom clearly loved me more!
Next, we need to explain why I'm also better looking than he is.
This science stuff is great!
I love you, Elder, but I love your brother more.
As noted, this isn't that different from the avian world, and, indeed, arguably, the mammalian world. In short, survival of the fittest. Yes, there is wastage, but that just ups the odds that the best genes win. And, in times of plenty, those spares can help build the species, but are sacrificed for the good of the genetic line in times of want.
The big question is whether humans do this too, at some level. I would argue yes, that mothers do discriminate between/among their young, esp. if they have a number of them. Much less so, of course, when there are only a couple over two or three decades.
Dick Smothers was right all along.
The news is the chemical mechanism.
Anybody who has ever bred dogs or cats or fostered a litter has seen this. It takes intervention to save the runt. I think farm people know this intuitively.
"I love you, Elder, but I love your brother more."
Well, I have to admit that the adorableness gene was recessive in my case.
He's such a cute little guy!
"He's such a cute little guy!"
Yes, and now with 50% less odour than the favoured brother!
(The big earwig.)
(The one with the odd behaviour.)
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