your opinion: why do squirrels, chipmunks and birds warn each other about predators?

[nullnor]

i disagree with the evolutionary theory's reason.

but i want to hear your opinions. ..you guys have heard animals warn each other about predators nearby. why would a squirrel put himself at risk by warning another squirrel that a cat is close?

[billbuckner]

Because predators are dicks

[Midnight Otter]

Because predators are dicks

Says the man who wants to kill me.

[Lucky]

Squirrel Anthropology not being my long suit, I'm guessing the evolutionary theory is that survival of the squirrel species causes them to warn each other. Yes?

I agree with you in disagreeing with it/them. I believe the squirrels have a social contract...the needs of many outweigh the needs of the few...or the one.

I'm not sure about birds. Their brains are so small.

I do not believe in chipmunks.

[swampdragon]

Sadly, two days ago no squirrel warned the other about my rental car as a predator.

Left or right would have been a better choice than straight.

Yuck

[billbuckner]

Says the man who wants to kill me.

I consider it controlling the population

[SeaDogStat]

Says the man who wants to kill me.

Consider this thread your warning from nullie...

[Midnight Otter]

I consider it controlling the population

I say it makes you a predator, ergo......

[nullnor]

there's an argument among scientist over why animals warn each other. on one side you have ppl that say it's because of genetics, and the other side say it's because of group selection. i believe the argument potentially changes the modern theory of evolution, it threatens science. i believe the answer is why you see two ducks on the road feeding with little ducklings instead of just one lonely male or female. i believe it's the reason why the nature of the universe favors intelligence and grouping over brute strength. animals that warn each other of danger are performing within a culture or society, not genetically. the universe favors culture and societies over genetics.

[Fresno Bob]

I bet that if the population of any of the prey species gets too large, they stop warning others....