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7/11/2016

Topic Reading-Vol.1552-7/11/2016

Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Many Animals Seem to Kill themselves, but it is not Suicide
Do animals commit suicide like some humans do? It is known that some animals, dogs, orcas or bears die not because of a disease or aging. They die by not doing the right thing or by refusing to do the right thing. For example, some loyal pet dogs die after their master’s death by refusing to eat or drink. Mother spiders let their offspring eat them as their first meal.
Then, what is the difference between suicide and such self-destruction?
Suicide is an action of killing oneself intentionally, which needs cognitive ability to worry about the future or upcoming event or situation, while self-destruction could be caused by stress or uncomfortable condition or situation for the animal, such as being caged or isolated from the group.
Confusing? 
Enjoy reading and learning about animal behaviors and human interpretation of them.


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