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-downtone_ t1_j1zm50g wrote

Reply to comment by N8CCRG in New study suggests that music and dance may have evolved (in part) to deter potential predators: these "highly synchronized visual and auditory displays" signal to the predator that a) they have been detected, and b) the targeted group can mount a well-coordinated defense. by fotogneric

Interesting. I feel as if it might be more likely that multiple animals moving extensively, causing shifting attention, may cause a cognitive overload leading to a fear or aggression response. The common response is likely fear. I don't know that most animals would have to cognitive ability to identify coalition quality. Just my thought process.

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N8CCRG t1_j1ztwfu wrote

I don't think the authors would claim that kind of cognitive ability either. The reason such a behavior would trigger a fear response is because that fear has been selected for because a coordinated defense is a greater danger to the predator. There is nothing inherent to being afraid of coordinated movement otherwise.

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-downtone_ t1_j1zyaso wrote

I see I misunderstood that statement then. Thanks for clarification.

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