MadSci Network: Zoology
Query:

Subject: Do some animals have a sense of morality?

Date: Tue Nov 4 02:44:01 1997
Posted by Richard Hyatt
Grade level: undergrad
School: No school entered.
City: Sembach State/Province: No state entered.
Country: Germany
Area of science: Zoology
ID: 878633041.Zo
Message:
Okay, here's an odd one.  A friend and I argued recently about the issue of animals who mate with many others of their species and those who take a single mate for life.  He seems to think some animals are intelligent enough to possess a sense of right and wrong.  I believe there must be a biological advantage to a single mate, but can't think what it could be.  Don't most animals (at least the males) mate with as many others as possible in an attempt to pass on their genes?

Is there any other animal activity that could indicate a sense of morality?  How about the carnivore that doesn't eat others of its species?

Thanx!

Re: Do some animals have a sense of morality?

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