Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) and human (Homo sapiens). Photo © Kevin Richardson · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) and human (Homo sapiens). Photo © Kevin Richardson · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
The human species resembles the spotted hyena in having a society combining sexism and classism.
Indeed, the spotted hyena is exceptional among carnivores in this way, suggesting convergent evolution with humans.
Given this affinity and the fact that, for much of human evolution, the spotted hyena was a major competitor for our favourite foods, the general antipathy towards the spotted hyena may perversely have its psychological roots in denial of the similarities.
Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) and human (Homo sapiens) hugging. Photo by Matthew Tabaccos
Robin and the Honey Badger, 22 March 2016