Why predator are prudent in nature. Justify?
1 Answer
depends what you mean by "Prudent"...
Explanation:
Predators are not always successful in their attacks. In fact the Hit-rate usually is quite low when they are solitary predators, e.g. the Cheetah.
The hit-rate is higher when they hunt in packs like lions, but then they have to share the loot amongst the pack..
They are dependent on the prey for their supply of energy, they have to conserve this, so only if there is a fair chance of a hit will they spend their energy on an attack.
Apart from that, they cannot afford to be injured. Especially when they are solitary hunters, an injury will decrease or nullify their chance of success, probably leading to death.
That is why, for instance, cats play with mice they have captured for a long time: they need to make sure the mouse is REALLY dead, and not able to inflict any injury on them by biting in their paw(s).
The fact that they probably will be taken care of by a vet doesn't surface in their mind: it is instinct....
Social hunting is a little different: Hyena's for instance WILL take care of injured pack-mates who can't hunt anymore, and provide them with their share....
