Gelatinous squid Posted October 16, 2023 Share Posted October 16, 2023 We seem to find the young of many baby animals cute, even animals far separated from us on the evolutionary tree, like birds. Clearly there is a limit since we don't find baby spiders or flies cute. But why should we, as mammals, find baby birds cute? We have no evolutionary imperative to protect the young of birds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossildude19 Posted October 16, 2023 Share Posted October 16, 2023 It's actually our ability to empathize, more than the actual looks of the animal youngsters that would be in question here. At least, that is more what it sounds like you are asking. Not everyone finds different animal offspring "cute" That is a subjective thing. When did we develop a sense of caring and empathy for creatures other than our own offspring? should be the question. 2 1 1 Tim - VETERAN SHALE SPLITTER VFOTM --- APRIL - 2015 __________________________________________________ "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir ~ ~ ~ ~ ><))))( *> About Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bringing Fossils to Life Posted October 16, 2023 Share Posted October 16, 2023 Because many vertebrates have similar proportions as young, they may trigger our brains, or maybe we simply want to help these creatures out of the goodness of our hearts. You may find this helpful: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/why-do-you-want-to-squeeze-cute-things-joshua-paul-dale 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kane Posted October 16, 2023 Share Posted October 16, 2023 So I'm not supposed to eat babies? Now you tell me. 4 ...How to Philosophize with a Hammer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FossilDAWG Posted October 16, 2023 Share Posted October 16, 2023 5 minutes ago, Kane said: So I'm not supposed to eat babies? Now you tell me. I thought I saw you in Austin Powers! Don 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FossilNerd Posted October 16, 2023 Share Posted October 16, 2023 (edited) 12 minutes ago, Kane said: So I'm not supposed to eat babies? Now you tell me. Even cute little bunnies have been know to eat their young. I know I’ve thought about eating my own a time or two! Hahaha! Simply put, beauty (or cuteness) is in the eyes of the beholder. 35 minutes ago, Gelatinous squid said: Clearly there is a limit since we don't find baby spiders or flies cute. Case in point…. I’m a fan of spiders and find the little babies to be cute where as, based on your statement, you do not. Edited October 16, 2023 by FossilNerd 2 1 The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. -Neil deGrasse Tyson Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don't. -Bill Nye (The Science Guy) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tidgy's Dad Posted October 16, 2023 Share Posted October 16, 2023 (edited) I genuinely find human babies shuddersome. Tidgy is cute. So are very small orthids. And wifey's nose. Edited October 16, 2023 by Tidgy's Dad 2 Life's Good! Tortoise Friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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