Large predators like to feast on prey with smaller brains: study

If you're prey for a predatory species, you'd better be smart and flexible, the latest research says.

Scientists from the University of Liverpool studied a number of different predators, such as jaguars, pumas, and chimps throughout Africa and South America.

Their study showed that the predators hunted on small antelope, mongooses, and red river hogs - all which have relatively small brains.

The scientists say this is because animals with smaller brains lack behavioural flexibility and are probably less capable of developing new strategies to fend off predators.

For example, chimpanzees would prey on red colobus monkeys, which have relatively small brains compared to their body size.

But the researchers noted chimps avoid Diana monkeys, which have larger brains.

Larger-brained animals are more sociable, or they're better at cracking ecological problems, claim the scientists.

The researchers' study was published in the current issue of the Royal Society Journal Biology Letters.

Photography: Desktop Exchange

Source: Discovery Channel Reports, August 2 edition