Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal by Zach Weinersmith for November 11, 2014
November 10, 2014
November 12, 2014
Transcript:
In humans, a showing of teeth indicates happiness. In most other mammals, it indicates aggression. Aggression is probably a more sensible interpretation since teeth are often used in combat. Which makes me wonder... And is this the rare dormouse lemur. What do other animals think of us?
Ida No about 10 years ago
You know, I just realized something. The reason that humans will often try to pet wild animals, and then act surprised at being bitten or mauled, is that humans can’t smell fear! I for one, right now, can tell that this lemur reeks.
emptc12 about 10 years ago
Gee, Zach. You bring up so many things I’ve wondered over the years..In humans, there are toothy smiles, grins, and grimaces, and gritting your teeth in anger or frustration or triumph . It must be confusing to animals that use their teeth for aggressive display, for sure.. I used to try being friendly with dogs, getting up close and talking to them, and often was nipped. Do that to a wild baboon or chimp, and you’re asking for big trouble.. What do most animals have other than such body language and subtle scents? Animals pick up and respond to humans unconsciously communicating that way, and we misinterpret it , as in the case of Clever Hans, the “mathematical” horse. .Some animals will lower temporarily their natural caution barriers to put up with us as long as we give them food. But even “tame” animals have irresistible trigger points. Kids are often astonished that wild animals aren’t like Disney animals.
seismic-2 Premium Member about 10 years ago
I love the expression on the dormouse lemur! (I feel confident that is a sentence I have never before typed in my life.)