How to stay out of focus by gnu-immersion
Prof. Mumblebard claims: “As this photo in Ngorongoro Caldera shows, the plains zebra is attracted to gnus. The reason is that there is safety in numbers, the particular benefit being the vigilance of the gnus against predators.” (NAÏVE)
Robin and the Honey Badger respond: “Gnus, with their large-scale splashes of dark and pale, are extremely visible on grassy plains, and so would be a liability rather than an asset to zebras in terms of vigilance. The real incentive for habitual consorting is that Carnivora have a visual system that tends to be preoccupied with the most conspicuous animals in the scene – which are seldom the zebras.” (INSIGHTFUL)
Photo by Uli Sauer
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